Eddie Howe returns to the South Coast on Saturday as Newcastle United look to get back to winning ways against Bournemouth.
The Toon boss will be facing his former side at the Vitality Stadium, and it will be the first time that he is in the opposition dugout.
It will be an emotional night for Howe, but he will be focussed on boosting Newcastle’s bid to qualify for the Champions League. To do that, we need to win away from home, which is something we haven’t done in the league since Boxing Day.
Howe has a few selection dilemmas to consider ahead of the game, and this is our predicted Newcastle lineup to face Bournemouth
No changes in defence or midfield
Given the fact Newcastle have the best defensive record in the Premier League, there is no reason for Howe to shuffle is pack at the back.
And he has limited options in midfield, which means he will almost certainly continue with the same trio of players who started against West Ham.
Bruno Guimaraes is serving the second game of his suspension, while Elliot Anderson will hope for further minutes off the bench.
Allan Saint-Maximin named in Newcastle’s starting lineup
Allan Saint-Maximin returned to the Newcastle starting XI in the Premier League for the first time since August last week. However, he really struggled.
The Frenchman performed way below expectations, which means he is already at risk of losing his place in the side.
But despite ASM’s poor performance and Anthony Gordon’s exciting cameo, we expect Howe to stick with Maxi on the left.
It is clear that he is rusty, and he needs minutes if he is going to regain match fitness. One bad game should not define him, which is why Hope will hopefully stick with him for the game against Bournemouth.
Callum Wilson to face his former club Bournemouth
Callum Wilson scored in the 1-1 draw with West Ham, netting his seventh goal of the season. It was a much-needed strike from Wilson, as there have been question marks over his recent form.
But he is back among the goals, and will surely start up front on his own against his former side. Newcastle signed Wilson from Bournemouth in 2020, costing £20million.
While the 30-year-old will surely start, he will be threatened by the presence of Alexander Isak. The club record signing looks set to return after missing the West Ham draw due to a concussion.
Predicted XI vs Bournemouth: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Willock, Longstaff, Joelinton; Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin.
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