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Newcastle United must be cautious against Bournemouth

By Durim Halimi

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Newcastle United Players line up around the centre circle for a minute?s silence ahead of Armistice day prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Watford FC at St. James Park on November 3, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Newcastle United Players line up around the centre circle for a minute?s silence ahead of Armistice day prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Watford FC at St. James Park on November 3, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United are set to host Bournemouth at St. James’ Park this weekend and the visitors are enjoying an impressive run of form.

After defeating Watford over the weekend, Newcastle United will now turn their attention to Bournemouth. Newcastle are fortunate to be playing back-to-back matches at St. James’ Park against two top ten opponents, but they should be cautious this weekend.

To everyone’s surprise, Bournemouth currently occupy sixth place in the table and are only four points shy of breaking into the top four. The Magpies have every right to be excited after claiming their first victory of the season on Saturday, but they must remain grounded against Eddie Howe’s side.

Newcastle Are Underdogs

Both of these clubs spent very little money during the summer transfer window, but now find themselves on different ends of the Premier League table. With six victories and only three losses this season, Bournemouth have shown that they are fearless against any opponent.

The Cherries have been clinical in front of goal this season as they have scored at least two goals in seven of their 11 matches this season, including four goals against Leicester City and Watford. Unlike most bottom-half teams in the Premier League, the Magpies are actually quite stubborn in the back and this stability could be the difference-maker in this match.

If Newcastle are able to secure three points against Bournemouth immediately after defeating Watford, then confidence should reach a new high on Tyneside. The most important thing for Rafa Benitez to do this week, though, is to ensure that his players do not head into this match with too much confidence.

Next. Three things we learned vs. Watford. dark

The Spaniard tactician must manage his players’ emotions and remind his team that they only have one win this season. In order for Newcastle to string together some positive results they must develop consistency, especially when they attack. Bournemouth boasts an intimidating attacking, but a mediocre defense that has conceded 14 goals in 11 matches. Newcastle have a chance to upset Bournemouth, but only if they accept their label as the underdog and play with urgency for 90 minutes on both ends of the pitch.