Newcastle can apologize to fans for FA Cup display with a win vs. Bournemouth

Newcastle United need to shrug off their FA Cup exit and focus on claiming three points against Bournemouth.

Newcastle United were shocking in their FA Cup clash against Manchester City on Sunday, but the team must play with amnesia. Unlike their first two games in Project Restart, the Magpies lacked offensive urgency and had zero creativity in the middle of the park.

Luckily for Steve Bruce’s side, tomorrow’s opponent sits 18th in the table and is going through a major internal crisis. Newcastle United need to bounce back with a win against a fragile Bournemouth side that has only taken one point in their last six games.

Five of the Cherries’ last seven games are against Manchester United, Tottenham, Leicester City, Manchester City and Everton. That being said, Bruce should prepare his team for a competitive clash in which Bournemouth will look to attack from the opening whistle as this may be their final opportunity to take three points.

What is the best way to combat that? The answer is quite simple: revert to the shape and tactics used against Sheffield United. Newcastle United are at their best when they play in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Miguel Almiron up the middle in the number ten role.

One can assume that Bruce will play Allan Saint-Maximin from the start tomorrow since he only played 74 minutes on Sunday. Fatigue might catch up with the Frenchman, but Newcastle United need their most dynamic player in this game.

Three points would put the Toon at 42 points and there would be no mathematical doubt about their Premier League status.

Jonjo Shelvey got some much needed rest on Sunday and he must be the first name on the team sheet tomorrow. The mercurial midfielder orchestrates the majority of the Magpies’ attacks and his creativity is the key to improving the team’s offensive efficiency.

The latest reports from the south coast state that Eddie Howe has lost the respect of his players in the dressing room, and this is certainly reflected in their form as of late.

Newcastle United defeated Bournemouth (2-1) at St. James’ Park earlier this season and another win tomorrow would most likely see Bournemouth get relegated after five seasons in the top flight.

A tight battle on a tight field is expected tomorrow, but Newcastle United’s players know they owe it to their fervent supporters to bounce back from Sunday’s cup performance.

Anything can happen against a team on the verge of going down, but Bruce has done well this season in getting the best out of his men immediately after poor performances.