Eddie Howe gets set to return to Bournemouth as Newcastle United aim to make it two wins from two to start the new Premier League season.
The Magpies’ opener against Southampton did not totally go to plan, but Eddie Howe‘s players did enough to win 1-0. However, the performance was far from convincing, even before Fabian Schar was sent off.
If anything, Fabian Schar’s soft red card galvanised St James’ Park, as a sense of injustice brought the Toon Army to life.
Joelinton was incredible for Newcastle, and he was pivotal in the Magpies starting the season with a win.
Now Newcastle United are heading out on the road, as they take on Bournemouth. The Magpies’ away record was really poor last season, and that is something they must rectify to enjoy a successful 2024/25 campaign.
Their first test is on the South Coast at the Vitality Stadium, which is a ground that Eddie Howe is very familiar with.
Chris Sutton predicts Bournemouth vs Newcastle
Heading into the game, Chris Sutton has dubbed it the ‘Eddie Howe Derby’, and he has predicted who will come out on top between Newcastle United and Bournemouth for BBC Sport.
“The Eddie Howe Derby,” he said.
“It will be interesting to see if Evanilson plays for Bournemouth, they have spent £40.2m on him.
“Newcastle huffed and puffed and found a way last week at home against Southampton and Bournemouth drew at Forest, they probably will feel they should have won the game.
“Based on last week, I would err towards Bournemouth but I am a big fan of Newcastle forward Alexander Isak and I think boss Eddie Howe will return to his old club and win it.”
Chris Sutton’s prediction: Bournemouth 1 Newcastle 2
Eddie Howe’s poor record against Bournemouth
Sutton thinks Newcastle will beat Bournemouth on Sunday, but history dictates that could be a challenge.
Howe is a Cherries legend, but he has found beating his former club rather difficult since becoming Newcastle United manager.
Howe’s Newcastle side have taken on Bournemouth four times in the Premier League, none of which have ended with the Magpies being victorious. There have been three draws and one defeat, with the single loss coming at the Vitality Stadium last season.
The only time Howe has beaten his former club was in the Carabao Cup during his first full season in charge at St James’ Park. A 1-0 victory in December 2022 helped Newcastle on their way to eventually reaching the Carabao Cup final, which they lost to Manchester United.
Strong Newcastle team to face Bournemouth
While Howe’s record against Bournemouth is not great, he will be able to put out a much stronger team than he did last season.
In both of Newcastle’s fixtures against the Cherries last season, Howe was unable to start an out-and-out striker. Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson missed both fixtures through injury.
Fortunately, the former is available for Sunday, with Isak keen to get his season up and running after failing to score in the win over Southampton last weekend.
Isak features in our Newcastle United predicted XI to face Bournemouth. His fellow Sweden international Emil Krafth is set to start too, with the 30-year-old coming in for the suspended Schar.
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