Newcastle United vs Bournemouth

Saturday’s Premier League action gets underway at St James’ Park as high-flying Newcastle United take on surprise package Bournemouth.

Newcastle United’s incredible form resurgence following a stuttering start has seen them win nine consecutive matches in all competitions since mid-December, including six in the Premier League. In doing so, Eddie Howe’s men eclipsed their win tally from the first 15 rounds (W5, D5, L5), moving a point clear of fifth-placed Chelsea. One more victory would mark the club’s longest-ever winning streak, and three consecutive home league wins via at least a three-goal margin suggest that’s a distinct possibility. However, Bournemouth’s upcoming visit could disrupt Newcastle’s plans unless they find a way to halt an underwhelming five-game winless H2H streak in the Premier League (D4, L1). Furthermore, they’ve failed to keep Bournemouth at bay in all six previous league meetings on this ground.

In the meantime, Bournemouth’s unexpected quest to secure European football remains firmly on track after a goal-glutted 2-2 draw at Chelsea in midweek Premier League action extended their unbeaten streak in England’s top flight to nine games (W5, D4). As a result, Andoni Iraola’s charges commence this round only one point adrift of sixth-placed Manchester City, seeking a sixth consecutive away league game without losing (W3, D2). Buoyed by the club’s longest-ever unbeaten run in the Premier League, Bournemouth head into proceedings having scored 2+ goals across their last six top-flight travels. However, the Cherries’ defensive leaks saw them concede at least twice in four of those six matches, which was the case in a 2-2 draw at Newcastle in this corresponding fixture in 2023/24.