A huge effort will likely be needed to keep the under-fire Gary O’Neil in the Bournemouth hot seat, and with the man himself refusing to speak openly about his future in the buildup, tensions are likely escalating behind the scenes at the Vitality Stadium.
With each of Bournemouth’s post-World Cup league defeats coming without any goalscoring reply, even a mere repeat of the surprise 1-1 draw they claimed in the reverse clash looks very unlikely.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe – who once hauled Bournemouth from the brink of financial oblivion and into the PL across two spells there – will also have a personal vendetta, as he faces his first trip to the Vitality Stadium since leaving the club upon their top-flight relegation in 2020.
That said, Howe himself will be primarily focused on returning to winning ways, and putting the Magpies back on course for a first UEFA Champions League appearance in exactly 20 years.
A 1-1 draw against West Ham in their latest outing was something of a comedown after reaching the Carabao Cup final – and a first major final for the club in 24 years – but Howe was philosophical in his assessment, saying “it's never going to be plain sailing”, in the aftermath of their fourth draw in five league matches.
Last weekend’s result also saw the Magpies drop points from a leading position – a fate they had previously suffered way back on August 31st.
But Newcastle’s backline has been the league’s hardest to crack in any case with just 12 goals conceded all season, and another resolute defensive showing here would see the Magpies secure four straight PL away clean sheets inside a single season for the first time in their history!
Players to watch: Bournemouth’s £20m January signing from Lorient, Dango Outtara, is yet to score for his new side, but he might provide an aerial threat, having headed in his last two goals. Contrastingly, ex-Cherries hitman Callum Wilson was back to scoring ways against West Ham, netting a fourth match opener across his last five strikes for Newcastle.
Hot stat: Four of Newcastle’s last six PL away wins have come by an exact three-goal margin.
