Chris Sutton had some difficulty with his prediction for Newcastle United vs Bournemouth.
The Magpies are completing their run of three straight home games in all competitions as they welcome Toon boss Eddie Howe’s former club to St James’ Park.
Newcastle United welcome Bournemouth in the Premier League, as they aim to set a record for the most consecutive wins in all competitions.
Eddie Howe is still without a number of players though. Harvey Barnes is out for the next month and Fabian Schar is a doubt after missing the win against Wolves with illness.
Nick Pope was slated for a return for this game, but Howe has suggested it will be Martin Dubravka between the sticks.
Amid the concerns, Howe will still be confident of picking up all three points. Ahead of the game, Paul Merson has backed Newcastle to break the win streak.
Chris Sutton predicts Newcastle vs Bournemouth
Chris Sutton has given his verdict on the game, the former Blackburn striker has predicted on BBC Sport that Newcastle will take the win in the early kick-off on Saturday.
Sutton also took the time to address Newcastle’s title chances. The Magpies are nine points behind Liverpool after they dropped points to third-place Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.
“No-one was talking about Newcastle winning the title at the start of December, but now they just need to hang on in there,” he said.
“I don’t think it is going to happen but they have an outside chance. If they keep winning, let’s see where it takes them.”
“This is a hard one, because Newcastle are on such a brilliant run but Bournemouth have not lost for a long time, either.
“The Cherries are 10 games unbeaten, since 23 November, while Newcastle would set a new club record of 10 wins in a row in all competitions if they beat them.
“Magpies boss Howe has never beaten his old team in five attempts in the Premier League since he came to St James’ Park in 2021, but I am expecting that to change on Saturday.
“Bournemouth will score and they are very capable of nicking a victory here, but Newcastle have momentum and belief and they also have Alexander Isak, who is absolutely flying at the moment.”
Sutton’s prediction: Newcastle 2 Bournemouth 1
One last dance for Miguel Almiron against Bournemouth
The game against Bournemouth could be a farewell for Miguel Almiron who is set to depart the club in the coming days.
Newcastle are set to accept Atlanta’s offer for Almiron which is reported to be around £10m.
Howe confirmed Almiron will be in the squad for the game against Bournemouth in his pre-match press conference which aired on Newcastle’s website.
The Toon boss confirmed “there is a chance” he could leave. However, the Paraguayan trained ahead of Saturday’s game.
Elsewhere, Lloyd Kelly should also be included in Newcastle’s squad for the game. Kelly was subject to a bid from Fenerbahce which Newcastle rejected.
Reports have since suggested that Fenerbahce have since pulled out of the deal.
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