Newcastle United are sweating on the fitness of Callum Wilson this weekend, but Chris Sutton believes he is going to have a huge role against Bournemouth.
The 31-year-old was forced off at half time during Newcastle’s Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund, having felt a tightness in his hamstring. It has since been claimed that Wilson is very unlikely to start against his former club Bournemouth on Saturday.
We are still yet to receive any official word from Newcastle, and it will be interesting to hear what Eddie Howe has to say during his pre-match press conference on Friday morning.
If Wilson is unavailable, it will likely mean that Anthony Gordon starts up front, just like he did in the recent Carabao Cup win over Manchester United. Howe does not have many other options, as Alexander Isak is also out injured.
The Sweden international has been seen back in training, but is not expected to be available again until after the upcoming international break.
But, despite their injuries, BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton believes that Newcastle will have enough to be victorious when they travel to Bournemouth for Saturday’s late kickoff.
Chris Sutton thinks Newcastle will beat Bournemouth
As part of his Premier League predictions for BBC Sport, Sutton has backed Newcastle to beat Bournemouth 2-1 this weekend.
“Newcastle’s injuries are piling up but I still fancy Eddie Howe’s side to bounce back from Tuesday’s defeat at Borussia Dortmund, on his return to his former club,” he wrote.
“No matter how stretched the Magpies squad is, they should have too much for a Bournemouth side that is in a relegation battle. I’m going for another Cherries old boy, Callum Wilson to score the winner against his old club.”
Stretched Newcastle squad must secure all three points on the road
A Callum Wilson winner would be great, but right now Toon fans would just settle for him being fit enough to feature.
The Newcastle squad is so stretched right now, with Bruno Guimaraes set to miss this weekend’s game against the Cherries. That is because he is suspended after getting his fifth yellow card of the season against Arsenal last time out.
That means Eddie Howe will have to make one change, and it will hopefully result in Lewis Miley receiving his first ever Premier League start at the age of 17.
While any away game is difficult, it is vital that Newcastle pick up three points on Saturday. Bournemouth have really been struggling this season, and it is a great chance for the Magpies to improve their away form. Howe’s side have only won once on the road, which was the 8-0 drubbing of Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
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