Newcastle United can move back into third in the Premier League if they beat Bournemouth on Saturday night, and pundit Chris Sutton believes they will do just that.
With Manchester United not due to play until Sunday, the Magpies have the chance to jump above them in the table, albeit temporarily.
A win will see Eddie Howe’s side reach 43 points, which would equal the current total that Man United currently have. However, our goal difference is far superior.
Regardless, a win is essential to keep pace with the sides that are in contention to qualify for the Champions League. The trip to Bournemouth is particularly important given the upcoming league games against Liverpool and Manchester City.
Saturday’s game will see Eddie Howe return to the Vitality Stadium for the first time, and BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton believes that the Toon boss will be celebrating at the expense of his former employers.
Chris Sutton thinks Newcastle will beat Bournemouth
As part of this weekend’s Premier League predictions, Sutton has told BBC Sport that he thinks the Magpies will win 2-0 in Saturday’s late kickoff.
“Bournemouth are absolutely desperate for a win because right now they look like relegation fodder with the awful run of results they have been on,” he wrote.
“The Cherries actually performed well against Brighton last weekend, and only went down to a late goal. I also like the look of their new signing, Dango Ouattara, who gives them a threat in that wide area on the right-hand side.
“I can see them giving Newcastle a good game, but I still think the Magpies will win on Eddie Howe’s return to his former club.
“I don’t think there will be a lot of goals, but Newcastle are a well-balanced side who have found the knack of getting the job done and, even with Bruno Guimaraes suspended, they should take home the points.”
Newcastle will expect another tight game
Sutton thinks Bournemouth will give Newcastle a ‘good game’, and fans will feel the same. We have played the Cherries twice already this season, and both fixtures have been difficult.
The first clash in the Premier League was a tight affair, with Gary O’Neil’s side frustrating us at St James’ Park and nearly grabbing an unlikely win. Then we met in the Carabao Cup, with an own goal by Adam Smith separating the two sides.
Bournemouth appear to know how to nullify us, so it is set to be a tricky game down on the south coast.
But Sutton believes that Howe’s side can get the job done, even though Bruno Guimaraes will be suspended again.
Hopefully he is right, but we must be wary of a Bournemouth side that are ‘desperate for a win’ as Sutton says. They are fighting for their lives at the bottom, while we are charging for Europe at the top.
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