Newcastle United’s £69m man compared to Peter Crouch in Man United striker debate
Newcastle United are preparing to face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday.
The pundits are predicting another underwhelming afternoon when Newcastle United travel to Bournemouth this weekend.
Eddie Howe has failed to win any of his three visits to the Vitality - where he spent 24 years as a player and manager - as Toon boss. Bournemouth have enjoyed a stellar start to the campaign, with three wins putting them fourth in the Premier League.
As for Newcastle, they are aiming to get over Thursday’s defeat to Barcelona and capitalise on last week’s win against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Nick Woltemade got off the mark and will likely lead the line after being benched in midweek.
Yoane Wissa’s injury setback has placed heightened onus on the German to deliver the goods up front. While predicting a sticky afternoon for Newcastle, the pundits also debated whether Woltemade can outscore Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko.
Paul Merson
“This will be a good game to watch,” he wrote in his SportsKeeda column. “Bournemouth are flying and Newcastle got their first win last weekend. Nick Woltemade reminds me of Peter Crouch! He has a good brain, comes deep and gets people involved, that is literally the same way Crouch played.
“My only demand is that Woltemade has to get back in the box a lot more. Sometimes, he just gets too involved in the build up. Based on what we've seen so far, you'd be shocked if Woltemade doesn't score more goals than Sesko this season.
“He has two wingers who will feed him so well, like they did in that win over Wolves. United, on the other hand, don't have that type of winger. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo would rather have a crack at goal themselves than feed Sesko. I expect an entertaining game with plenty of goals here, don't miss this one!”
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-2 Newcastle United
Chris Sutton
“This is tough because you could make an argument for every outcome, but I am going to back Bournemouth,” he told BBC Sport. “I have been impressed by the Cherries so far, in defence and attack, and although Newcastle beat Wolves last time out, they have not really got going yet.
“Former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is yet to win at Vitality Stadium in three visits with Newcastle. He is going to have to wait a little longer for his first success.”
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Newcastle United