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Newcastle United: Momentum and confidence on the line vs. Bournemouth

By Durim Halimi

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Christian Atsu of Newcastle United and Jordon Ibe of AFC Bournemouth battle for possession during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and AFC Bournemouth at St. James Park on November 4, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Christian Atsu of Newcastle United and Jordon Ibe of AFC Bournemouth battle for possession during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and AFC Bournemouth at St. James Park on November 4, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /
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The match against Bournemouth on Saturday will be of major importance for Newcastle United, as the Magpies aim to gain momentum late in the season.

Coming off a surprising 1-0 victory against Manchester United at St. James’ Park and having two weeks to prepare for Bournemouth, the Magpies aim to earn three more points on Saturday. The away fixture against Bournemouth should be a thrilling match as the two clubs are essentially even on paper.

The similarities between the Magpies and the Cherries were on full display in November, as Bournemouth left Tyneside with three points after scoring the game-winning goal in stoppage time.

However, things have improved for Newcastle since that home loss to Bournemouth. The recent win over Manchester United enabled the Magpies to climb out of the relegation zone and gain short-term confidence ahead of their next fixture.

Against Bournemouth, Newcastle United have a great opportunity to transform their confidence into long-term momentum to close out the season with positive results to avoid relegation.

Favorable Fixture and Timing

Bournemouth will be a difficult opponent to overcome at Dean Court. Bournemouth struggled early in the season and looked like probable candidates to be relegated, but the Cherries were able to turn things around with notable victories over Everton, Arsenal and Chelsea.

Although Bournemouth have put together an impressive resume, they have their weak spots as well. Coming off a 4-1 defeat to Huddersfield Town in their last match, Bournemouth will be looking to bounce back against a confident Newcastle United.

This weekend’s fixture is favorable for the Magpies as they try to build on their performance against Manchester United, while their opponents re-assess their tactics. In addition, the clubs surrounding Newcastle in the table have difficult matches as Watford (11th) take on Everton and West Ham (12th) go to Anfield to play Liverpool.

Three points against Bournemouth for Newcastle United and losses for Watford and West Ham would sneak the Magpies into the top half of the table with 31 points after 28 matches. Claiming 10th place with 31 points would only guarantee Newcastle United temporary breathing room in a tight relegation battle.

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However, consecutive victories over top-half opponents would bring a sense of optimism and motivation to the club as they prepare for Liverpool on March 3 and Southampton on March 10.