Newcastle United have a chance to claim their third double of the season with a win against Bournemouth.
Newcastle United will travel to the southern coast tomorrow to face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The Magpies have been in top form since January and their 3-2 thriller over Everton gives the team some momentum heading into this match. Bournemouth got off to an impressive start this season as they occupied a place in the top six for a few weeks, but they have been dragged back into the bottom-half of the table.
The difference between both teams in the standings is one position and three points. Not only would Newcastle claim the double over Bournemouth with a win tomorrow, they would also jump ahead of them due to goal differential. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00PM at the Vitality Stadium.
What To Expect
Matches between Newcastle and Bournemouth are always close and the same should be expected tomorrow. The Vitality Stadium may be the smallest ground in the Top Flight, but it can still be a hostile environment for away sides, just ask Chelsea. Being the home side, Bournemouth are being tapped as favorites in tomorrow’s match, but Newcastle have one of the best away records in the Premier League.
The previous meeting between these teams served as an awakening for Salomon Rondon and he will be the Magpies’ primary target tomorrow. Ayoze Perez has also stepped up his game and the chemistry between Rondon, Perez and Miguel Almiron is making this team fun to watch as they have created 19 shots per game over their last four games.
Bournemouth have conceded 54 goals this season, the third worst tally in the league, but most of those goals came at the hands of the top six. In other words, Bournemouth are competitive with mid-table sides, especially at home. Newcastle’s defense, which will be without Fabian Schar due to suspension, must be cautious of four Bournemouth players – Callum Wilson, Joshua King, Ryan Fraser and David Brooks. These four players have scored 34 of the team’s 41 goals this season, and Wilson has been named to the England team for the EURO 2020 qualifiers.
That being said, this match is up for grabs. Bournemouth beat Newcastle in most categories on paper, but Newcastle have been playing like a top ten side over the last few months. In my opinion, a draw is the most likely outcome, but both teams are capable of taking all three points.