‘Nightmare’ - £110m needed to unlock Alexander Isak as big Newcastle United win expected
Eddie Howe is aiming for his first Premier League win over Bournemouth when Newcastle United welcome them to St James’ Park this weekend.
The Magpies edged out the Cherries 1-0 on their way to the Carabao Cup final in 2022-23 but have not fared as well in the league. Just one win from six - including six draws - has made this fixture a closely fought affair in recent years.
Jumping into the Champions League places also adds pressure on Newcastle. They are now the hunted, no longer chasing the pack as some - including Alan Shearer - have flirted with potential title talk.
That may seem premature but the prospect of 10 consecutive wins has supporters talking. The pundits believe that will be the case when United take on Bournemouth in today’s early kick-off.
Paul Merson
“I know Bournemouth have been playing really well but I have a strong feeling about Newcastle winning this game,” he wrote in his SportsKeeda column. “Bournemouth were blown away by Chelsea in the first half of that 2-2 draw in midweek. Newcastle are playing much, much better than Chelsea and they will be more ruthless in front of goal. In my opinion, Alexander Isak is the best No.9 in the Premier League right now.
“You look at Erling Haaland and his body language isn’t as good as Isak. Of course, you can never count Haaland out because he can just score back-to-back hat-tricks and we will all be talking about him again. But honestly, it is not looking like that at the moment.
“I believe Isak’s success is also down to the midfielders playing behind him at Newcastle. Sandro Tonali has just returned to that midfield and formed a great partnership with Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton. Every single one of them is playing at the top of their game.
“It would be the perfect month for Newcastle if they can progress to the final of the EFL Cup and consolidate their grip on the top four in the coming weeks. Some teams get into the top four and they go three games without a win before finally falling behind. Newcastle must avoid doing that and I’m confident they will get the better of Bournemouth in a big win.”
Prediction: Newcastle 3 Bournemouth 1
Chris Sutton
“This is a hard one because Newcastle are on such a brilliant run but Bournemouth have not lost for a long time, either,” he told BBC Sport. “The Cherries are 10 games unbeaten, since 23 November, while Newcastle would set a new club record of 10 wins in a row if they beat them.
“Magpies boss Howe has never beaten his old team in five attempts in the Premier League since he came to St James' Park in 2021, but I am expecting that to change on Saturday. Bournemouth will score and they are very capable of nicking a victory here, but Newcastle have momentum and belief - and they also have Alexander Isak, who is absolutely flying at the moment.”
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Bournemouth
Mark Lawrenson
“The kick-off time is a nightmare for the Bournemouth fans,” he told Paddy Power. “Newcastle have won nine straight games in all competitions which is just amazing for them and I think they might get to double figures. Alexander Isak is absolutely on fire as well which is, no doubt, helping a lot.
“Bournemouth had a good point at Chelsea during the week and they should actually have won really. All in all I can see this being quite comfortable for Newcastle.”
Prediction: Newcastle 3-1 Bournemouth