Newcastle United vs Bournemouth

Newcastle United’s catch-up on the European spots continues at St James’ Park as they entertain perennial Premier League bottom-half tenants Bournemouth.

Newcastle United’s return to form following a dismal start to the new calendar year has coincided with recoveries of several first-team stars, with Eddie Howe’s side racking up a four-game unbeaten run in the build-up to this contest (W3, D1). More importantly, the Magpies are firing on all cylinders, netting 2+ goals in their last six outings across all competitions, including a 3-2 victory at Nottingham Forest in the previous round. Despite their mini-revival, you’d need to go back to mid-December for Newcastle’s last home league triumph (D1, L2 since). For what it’s worth, St James’ Park has been a venue of entertainment during that three-game winless streak, with each game featuring over 3.5 goals and both teams on the scoresheet, highlighting the potential for an action-packed affair.

No strangers to high-scoring contests themselves, Bournemouth slumped to a 3-1 home loss to Fulham last weekend, extending their winless run in the Premier League to five matches (D2, L3). On top of that, they’ve failed to win any of their last three away league games (D1, L2), conceding precisely three goals in both defeats. Bournemouth’s travel sickness hardly bodes well for their quest to end a three-match winless top-flight streak at St James’ Park (D1, L2). Manager Andoni Iraola can draw confidence from his side’s free-scoring form on the road that has seen them get on the scoresheet in 11 of their 12 Premier League away fixtures this season. But it could prove insufficient if they fail to open the scoring, considering they’ve lost four out of six away league matches after falling behind (W1, D1).