Newcastle United vs Bournemouth Prediction: The Magpies Keep European Hopes Alive at St James' Park

Alexander Isak, scored in eight games in a row with Newcastle United. (photo: x @NUFC)

JAKARTA - An exciting match between Newcastle United and Bournemouth will take place on Saturday, January 18 at St James' Park. The two teams in top form meet in an effort to strengthen their position at the top of the Premier League, while maintaining their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League. This will be their first meeting since August last year, when the match at Vitality Stadium ended in a 1-1 draw.

Newcastle United come into this match with great ambition. They have the opportunity to make history by winning 10 consecutive matches in all competitions, after a landslide 3-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday night, January 15.

Alexander Isak, Newcastle's mainstay striker, is once again the center of attention. With his goals in both halves and an assist for Anthony Gordon, Isak has now become the fourth player in Premier League history to score in eight consecutive matches. It is no wonder that club legend Alan Shearer believes that Newcastle now has the opportunity to enter the title race conversation, thanks to Isak's performance and the solidity of the tactics implemented by Eddie Howe.

Sitting fourth in the table, Newcastle are just five points adrift of second-placed Arsenal and nine adrift of leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. Playing at St James’ Park is a huge advantage for the Magpies, as they have won their last five home games, including three Premier League wins by an aggregate of 10-0.

Newcastle, however, have a poor record against Bournemouth at home. They have not kept a clean sheet in their last six Premier League home games against the Cherries, including the last two draws (2-2 in February 2024 and 1-1 in September 2022).

Surprise from the Underdogs

Bournemouth also come into the game with confidence. Andoni Iraola’s side extended their unbeaten run to 10 games in all competitions, drawing 2-2 with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

The Cherries came close to winning the game after goals from Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo put them ahead before Reece James grabbed a 95th-minute equaliser for Chelsea. Despite dropping two points, Bournemouth remain in the hunt for a Champions League place, just four points adrift of fourth-placed Newcastle.

However, Bournemouth face a tough three-game road trip with Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool in the coming weeks. However, their impressive away form - unbeaten in their last five games, scoring at least two goals in each game - gives them hope.

However, Bournemouth's record away from home in the midday kick-off is not encouraging. They have lost eight of their last 11 Premier League games played at 12.30pm, including four away games in that period.

Newcastle will be without Harvey Barnes (muscle injury), Callum Wilson (thigh injury) and Jamaal Lascelles (knee injury), all of whom are not expected back until next month. There is a slim chance of Nick Pope returning to the squad after a long spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, but Martin Dubravka is likely to remain in goal.

At the back, Fabian Schar, who missed the win over Wolves through illness, is expected to be fit to partner Sven Botman. If Schar returns, Dan Burn is likely to be dropped to the bench.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, are struggling with an injury crisis with key players missing including Evanilson (foot), Enes Unal (ACL), Alex Scott (knee), Marcos Senesi, Julian Araujo, Marcus Tavernier and Luis Sinisterra (all thigh injuries). James Hill is also ruled out after picking up a hamstring injury against Chelsea.

Adam Smith is a doubt, so Lewis Cook is likely to return at right-back. Ryan Christie is expected to operate in midfield alongside Tyler Adams, while Justin Kluivert will take on the attacking midfielder role.

Up front, Antoine Semenyo and Dango Ouattara will share duties on the left and as centre-forwards, with David Brooks remaining the preferred choice on the right wing. Meanwhile, Kepa Arrizabalaga, who missed the Chelsea game on loan, will be the first-choice goalkeeper again.

Newcastle are the favourites to score, with Alexander Isak in fine form and their impressive home record. However, Bournemouth are not to be underestimated, with their attacking line-up prolific away from home.

This is a highly anticipated match, with both teams looking to play an attacking game. Newcastle will likely dominate possession, but Bournemouth have the potential to spring a surprise with their quick counter-attacks.

The outcome of this match will depend largely on the effectiveness of both teams' attacking lines and their ability to make the most of their chances in front of goal.

Predicted Lineups

Newcastle United (4-3-3):

Dubravka; Livramento, Botman, Schar, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.

Bournemouth (4-2-3-1):

Kepa; Cook, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Christie, Adams; Brooks, Kluivert, Semenyo; Ouattara.