Newcastle United will look to make it back-to-back Premier League victories when they welcome Bournemouth to St James’ Park on Saturday.
The Magpies have made an unbeaten start to the campaign after securing four points from six despite gloomy predictions at the start of the campaign.
New Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle’s team has a clear identity. They could move to the top of the early Premier League table with another win.
However, Bournemouth are difficult to break down. Newcastle have failed to beat the Cherries in their last eight Premier League meetings.
Match preview
Newcastle have plenty of momentum behind them drawing with Liverpool and defeating Tottenham Hotspur.
Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa have both made excellent starts, while Amar Dedic has immediately impressed following his arrival.
Elanga has scored in both league matches and will make history if he bags another.
He will be the first Newcastle player since Andrew Cole in 1994/95 to score in each of the opening three games.
Marco Rose’s side are also built around intensity, meaning Saturday could become an open, physical contest with both teams looking to attack quickly.
Newcastle have faced 44 shots across their opening two league games, more than any other side in the division. That is a concern Jaissle will want to address.
There is also a major tactical battle down Newcastle’s left, where Lewis Hall could have an important role against Rayan.
It is also worth noting that the Cherries have conceded from corners in both league games this season.
They have allowed 28 set-piece goals over the last two campaigns – the most in the Premier League.
That should encourage Newcastle to attack dead-ball situations aggressively, particularly with the physicality available in their squad.
Most importantly, Jaissle’s men have an opportunity to finally end their Bournemouth hoodoo.
The Magpies have not beaten the Cherries in the league since July 2020. Bournemouth have won their last two visits to St James’ Park.
The Magpies have won three of their last six Premier League matches, matching their total from their previous 13.
However, Newcastle have failed to beat Bournemouth in their last eight Premier League meetings, drawing five and losing three.
Newcastle team news
Newcastle are without Dan Burn, William Osula, Joelinton and Tino Livramento due to injury.
New signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo is training with the squad. However, Jaissle has suggested the £51 million signing will be eased into action from the bench.
Nico Gonzalez, described as a ‘proven winner‘, impressed on his Newcastle debut and should retain his place in midfield alongside Lewis Miley and Joe Willock.
Newcastle predicted starting XI (4-3-3)
Lukas Hornicek; Amar Dedic, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Lewis Hall; Joe Willock, Nico Gonzalez, Lewis Miley; Anthony Elanga, Yoane Wissa, Harvey Barnes.
