Newcastle United take on Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday, as they look to secure their first home win of 2024.
Throughout Eddie Howe‘s tenure on Tyneside, St James’ Park has been a fortress. However, that has not been the case as of late.
Newcastle United have not won at home all year, with their last victory at SJP coming on December 16th against Fulham. Since then, the Magpies have lost to Nottingham Forest and Manchester City, while they were held to a 4-4 draw by Luton Town.
Howe will be keen to get back to winning ways at home on Saturday, as he prepares to face his former club Bournemouth. They beat Newcastle in the reverse fixture, with Dominic Solanke scoring twice in a 2-0 win for the Cherries.
The Magpies will be out for revenge, and Paul Merson expects them to get it.
Paul Merson thinks Newcastle will beat Bournemouth
Paul Merson has predicted the score of every Premier League game this weekend for his column in Sportskeeda. He believes that Newcastle will beat Bournemouth 2-1 at St James’ Park.
“Newcastle got a really good result against Forest and I expect them to win once again this weekend,” he wrote.
“I can see a few goals in this one, so I’m going for a 2-1 home win.
“Getting into Europe should be the name of the game for Eddie Howe and co. They are a bit behind the eight-ball in the race for a top-four finish, but they still have enough games to secure a spot in the UEFA Europa League or the Conference League. When Newcastle finished fourth last season, I thought it happened a bit too early for them.
“Had they got into one of the other two competitions, they’d have been more comfortable and might have even had a chance of going all the way. They haven’t won a trophy since god knows how long and need to get their hands on silverware soon.”
A must-win for Newcastle and their European ambitions
Newcastle United are not going to get back into Europe if they slip up in games like the one they are preparing for on Saturday.
At home against a bottom half team – there are no excuses. The Magpies simply have to win, as they look to get back into Europe. The players are still dreaming of a Champions League return, which is going to be incredibly difficult even if they do win against Bournemouth.
Howe has to re-find the recipe for success at home on Saturday, and he might have to do it without a recognised striker. That is because Alexander Isak is injured, and Callum Wilson is a doubt for the game against his former club.
If they are both absent, Anthony Gordon will likely lead the line.
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