Bournemouth welcome Newcastle United to Dean Court for a massive midfield Premier League clash.
Just three points separate these sides entering this game and with seventh place still within grasp for both, victory here could well be key for any lingering hopes of possible Europa League football next season.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesBournemouth trio of Adam Smith (hamstring), Junior Stanislas (hip) and Dan Gosling (knee) won’t be risked but should be available after the international break.
Steve Cook meanwhile won’t be back from a groin injury until mid April.
Lewis Cook and Simon Francis both remain long-term absentees for the Cherries with anterior cruciate ligament injuries.
Newcastle could have Jamaal Lascelles available for selection after suffering a knee injury against Everton, as Fabian Schar starts a two match ban after collecting 10 yellow cards.
Sean Longstaff (knee), Ciaran Clark (knee) and Rob Elliot (back) are ruled out for foreseeable future.
Form
Bournemouth enter this game with just four points from their last six league games, yet have lost just two of their last eight home games.
Newcastle are in better form with 10 points from their last five but are winless in their last six away games.
Stat Attack
- Both sides have taken two wins apiece from five Premier League meetings, drawing the other 2-2 here this time last season.
- Six of 11 meetings between these sides has seen both teams score.
- Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last three home games against Newcastle across all competitions (W1, D2).
- Ryan Fraser has made ten assists this season, the highest outside members of the ‘Big Six’ and second most overall only behind Chelsea’s Eden Hazard who has produced 11 assists.
- In just five appearances for Newcastle, Miguel Almiron has already produced 11 shots.
Prediction
This will be an interesting game because Bournemouth are going well at home whilst Newcastle aren’t doing great on their travels.
Given the inconsistencies in both sides, a draw would be a good bet but Schar will be a huge miss for Newcastle creatively, which might therefore give Bournemouth the win.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Newcastle United
Jake predicts: Bournemouth 0-0 Newcastle United
Result: Bournemouth 2-2 Newcastle United