Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker:
Hoping to make it back-to-back Premier League victories on Sunday afternoon, Newcastle will travel to the Vitality when they meet Bournemouth.
Bournemouth
Starting with the hosts, snatching a dramatic late equaliser away at Nottingham Forest last weekend as they opened the 2024/25 campaign with a 1-1 stalemate at the City Ground, Bournemouth should be relishing a return to home soil here. However, although the Cherries might be dreaming of the chance to mount a genuine top-half charge this time around, Andoni Iraola’s men know that stability is key. Heading into the summer break by losing all of their final three Premier League appearances last season by an aggregate score of 7-2, the former Rayo Vallecano boss will be calling on his squad to lay down a marker on Sunday afternoon. Despite facing what should be a real challenge this weekend, Bournemouth should be excited by a rugged record against the Magpies. Including a 2-0 win when they welcomed Newcastle to the Vitality last season, they have lost just one of their previous five meetings.
Team News
All missing out away at Nottingham Forest last weekend, Bournemouth are once again sweating over the trio of Tyler Adams, Enes Unal and Wales international David Brooks. However, arriving from Spanish giants Barcelona this summer, 23-year-old Julian Araujo could make a first Premier League start here.
Watching Dominic Solanke complete a £65million move to Tottenham earlier in the month, Antoine Semenyo will spearhead Bournemouth’s charge in the final third. Completing a permanent move from Juventus this summer, Dean Huijsen will partner Ilya Zabarnyi at the heart of Iraola’s defence.
Newcastle
As for the visitors, left heartbroken last season as they eventually missed out on the chance to book another European adventure, Newcastle have made their ambitions clear this summer. Getting proceedings underway with a 1-0 victory at home against Premier League returners Southampton last weekend, Eddie Howe’s men will be smelling the chance to make a statement here. Signing off the 2023/24 campaign with an action-packed 4-2 victory away at Brentford, the former Bournemouth boss saw his squad lose just a pair of their final 10 Premier League appearances. Enjoying an eye-catching run during their summer preparations and with their pre-season flurry underlined by a 4-0 romp against Girona earlier in the month, Newcastle will be dreaming of the chance to mount a Champions League charge this time around.
Team News
Shown a first-half red card at home against Southampton last weekend, Switzerland international Fabian Schar will miss out through suspension here. Likewise, both still dealing with respective long-term knee injuries continuing on from last season, the defensive duo of Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles remain on the sidelines.
Officially appointed Newcastle’s permanent skipper this week, Brazilian ace Bruno Guimaraes will lead out Howe’s side on Sunday afternoon. Recording 21 Premier League strikes last season, attacking talisman Alexander Isak will lead the Magpies’ charge.
Key Factors to Consider
