It is the Eddie Howe derby on Saturday, as the Newcastle United manager takes on his former club Bournemouth.
Eddie Howe will be out for some sort of revenge, having lost against Bournemouth back in November. Dominic Solanke was the star that day, scoring a brace in a 2-0 win for the Cherries.
Newcastle United will need to be much better at St James’ Park than they were at the Vitality Stadium, although their home form has taken a dip. The last time the Magpies won on Tyneside was December 16th, and their previous home game was the 4-4 draw with Luton Town.
Howe will be hoping for less drama on Saturday, and this is the Newcastle XI we predict he will pick to face Bournemouth
Familiar Newcastle role for Bruno Guimaraes
During the win over Nottingham Forest, Bruno Guimaraes had a different role. He was allowed to be more attacking, which is what he has been keen to do.
It worked, with Bruno scoring twice in a man of the match display.
But Saturday should see the 26-year-old return to his usual role as the ‘six’. That feels likely given the fact that we are at home and will probably see a lot more of the ball.
However, Howe will at least have the option of unleashing Bruno further up the pitch if the game is not going Newcastle’s way.
Harvey Barnes starts against Bournemouth
The Magpies’ only change should see Harvey Barnes come into the starting XI.
The £39million player is back from injury, but is yet to start a game for Newcastle since September. But that may change this weekend due to Howe’s limited options in attack.
Callum Wilson is a doubt for the game after suffering an injury in the win over Forest, and has not been spotted in training. Jacob Murphy is also a concern, having been unable to feature at the City Ground after picking up a problem in the warmup.
That could lead to Barnes coming in to play on the left wing, with Anthony Gordon operating as a striker.
Predicted XI vs Bournemouth: Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Bruno, Miley; Almiron, Gordon, Barnes.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
