Newcastle United expected starting XI vs Bournemouth as 'incredible' player ruled out

Eddie Howe - and defender Lloyd Kelly - visit former club Bournemouth (kick-off 2pm) as his Magpies team go in search of back-to-back wins following last Saturday’s 1-0 opening day victory over Southampton at St James’ Park.

The three points, however, did come at a cost after Fabian Schar was shown a red card on the half-hour mark for clashing with Ben Brereton Diaz. The sending was labelled harsh by Howe, with replays showing Brereton Diaz had flung himself to the floor after the pair squared up to each other. Newcastle launched an appeal to the FA but the red card was upheld.

Speaking about Schar before the game, Howe said: “Everyone has qualities, it's about do they mirror how you want the team to play? In some cases, that's yes; in some cases, that's no. With Fabian, it was a case of absolutely yes because he's one of the best users of the ball that I've seen in that position, incredible range of passing – he can play short, long, big switches, you name it, he can deliver with the ball at his feet off both feet as well, which is really rare.

“As I've said many times, I knew about Fabian before coming here and I liked him, so then it was a case of can we get the other areas of his game to a level that compliments the team? He's done the work. He's really defended very well, he's trained very well, so I'm very pleased with where his game's been at since I've been here. Now the challenge, as always, is to push that on."

Schar’s absence means Howe will be forced into at least one change to his starting XI. Here, NewcastleWorld takes a look at line-up and subs the United head coach is expected to name against Bournemouth: