Newcastle United - Bournemouth predictions and free betting tips [17/02/2024]

Today as part of the 25th round of the Premier League, Newcastle will host Bournemouth at home. The Magpies, after a failed stint in January, picked up the pace and won three out of their last four games, while the charges of Andoni Iraola are only 13th in the general classification. 

Predicted line-ups

Newcastle: Dubravka; Trippier, Schär, Botman, Bern; Mylie, Guimarães, Longstaff; Almirón, Gordon, Barnes. 

Bournemouth: Neto; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kelly; Christie, Cook; Tavernier, Kluivert, Sinistra; Solanke. 

Newcastle

After an impressive performance in last year's campaign, Newcastle is not meeting the expectations of fans this season. At the moment, Eddie Howe's team is seventh in the Premier League, 10 points behind fifth place. To make it to the European zone, the hosts may need to focus on a successful performance in the FA Cup. After four consecutive Premier League losses, the Magpies are gradually regaining their old condition: after a 4:4 draw at home against Luton, the black and whites beat Aston Villa (3:1) and Nottingham Forest (3:2) last weekend. In the first half, Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi's goals were met with precise strikes by Bruno Guimarães and Fabian Schär, after which the Brazilian provided Newcastle with a victory with a stunning shot in the 66th minute. 

The main reason for Eddie Howe will be the fact that his team conceded 16 goals in the last six rounds of the championship - almost half as much as last season (33). The Magpies also conceded at least three goals in each of the previous three home games - as many as in the previous 16 games at St. James' Park combined. Newcastle is missing first-team goalkeeper Nick Pope, attacking midfielder Joelinton and forward Isak, experienced Anderson and Willock, as well as centre def Targett. Midfielder Sandro Tonali continues to serve a lengthy disqualification. Bruno Guimarães scored a double last weekend and is certainly expected to start this time, with help in the attack from Gordon (7 goals and 5 assists) and Wilson (7 goals). This winter saw the departure of defender Manquillo (Celta Vigo) and midfielder Hayden (QPR).

Bournemouth

Bournemouth currently sits 13th in the Premier League and, with 1 game in hand, is 8 points clear of the relegation zone. After a poor run of form in the first half of the season, the Cherries turned their campaign around thanks to successful results in November and December. However, in recent weeks, the guests have stalled yet again and are winless in their last 5 rounds (2 draws and 3 losses). Last weekend they lost 3:1 to Fulham. Marcos Senesi scored five minutes after the break, but the Cottagers restored a two-goal lead just two minutes later thanks to a goal by Rodrigo Muniz. The red-blacks have managed to score at least once in 14 of their last 15 Premier League matches, netting a total of 26 goals. 

Away from home, Iraola's charges have scored in each of their last eight matches (a total of 15 goals), which is the longest such away streak in the Premier League for the club. Bournemouth's squad still doesn't feature defenders Aarons and Hill, backup goalkeeper Randolph, Adams and Fredericks - all of whom are still recovering from their injuries. Winger Fajr (Lorient), who returned from loan this winter, is currently just a rotation player. Striker Enes Ünal (Getafe, 14 goals in La Liga last season) played his first minutes for his new club last weekend and should strengthen the attacking line led by Dominic Solanke (13 goals). Philip Billing will return after a one-match ban, and the midfielder will fight for his place on the field with Ryan Christie, Lewis Cook, and Alex Scott.

Head-to-head

The Cherries are eager to end a three-match winless run at St. James' Park and record their first ever Premier League double over the Magpies: the first round match ended in a 2:0 victory for the red-blacks. 

Newcastle - Bournemouth match prediction

Recent meetings between these two teams have been contested, but now the Magpies have every chance to comfortably deal with the Cherries. The fact is that the guests have slowed down significantly in recent weeks, having pulled away from the relegation zone. The support of the home stands and a team superior in quality and skill will help the black and whites secure a comfortable victory.