Preview: Defoe Set For Bournemouth Return As They Look To Add To Newcastle's Relegation Worries

Preview: Defoe Set For Bournemouth Return As They Look To Add To Newcastle's Relegation Worries
13:00, 23 Feb 2018

One game can change a lot in football, something both Bournemouth and Newcastle United found out in contrasting ways a fortnight ago. Heading to Huddersfield Town for their last Premier League game, Eddie Howe’s men will have been quietly confident their relegation troubles were over. Unbeaten since December 23rd and sat in the top half of the table on 31 points, the Cherries were on the home straight; they could smell safety. Wins over Arsenal, Everton and Stoke City at home, and Chelsea away, proved they could mix it with some of the best; Howe’s ideology was shining through once again after a tough start to the campaign.

In short, though, they were humbled in West Yorkshire. Huddersfield were on the opposite end of the spectrum, fully in freefall having failed to win since December 16th, but they outfought and outthought Bournemouth in every department on the way to an emphatic 4-1 win.

To make matters worse for Howe, another defeat on Saturday at the hands of Rafa Benitez’s Magpies would drag them right back into trouble. Only five points currently separate them in tenth and Southampton in 18th, and it certainly will not be easy for the hosts. Other than in a ten-game spell between October and December, Newcastle have been rather tough to beat this season, with only one defeat in their last seven games, and they will travel to the South Coast buoyed by a first home win in just under five months against Manchester United last time out. Matt Ritchie, returning to his former club for the first time on Saturday, netted his first goal of the season at just the right time.

From their point of view, Newcastle will be hoping to go level on points with their opponents by grabbing a second-consecutive victory, but doing so could also see them go above them such is the situation with goal difference; Bournemouth (-10) are one better off than Newcastle (-11). The hosts’ fantastic run, and home form in particular with those three wins since before Christmas, earned Howe the Manager of the Month award for January, but he faces fresh challenges after that surprising, and heavy, loss at Huddersfield.

Benitez may not set his teams up to play expansive, entertaining football at all times like his opposite number, but he is exactly what Newcastle need right now. The Spaniard organises the defence excellently, hence the continuing run without a loss, and coaches his players expertly.

Mohamed Diame was a player Newcastle fans groaned at every time he was named on a teamsheet earlier in the season, but his upturn in form has been notable and impressive; from looking sluggish and inelegant on the ball, he now plays to his strengths, winning the ball from deep and driving forward with power. Benitez, to his credit, appears to have finally found a place for him in the side. Paul Dummett, who signed a new contract this week, has also shown clear improvement under Benitez and is no longer the punchline for many fans’ cruel jokes.

But this game, more than most, could hinge on the strikers, and particularly those returning from injury. Jermain Defoe has been out for 10 weeks with ligament damage, but he could provide Bournemouth with a timely fitness boost. Poor records against anyone are rare for Defoe, but he seems to enjoy facing the Magpies more than most, having scored eight goals against them; he was particularly prolific when playing for Sunderland, so can expect a frosty reception from a sold-out away end at the Vitality Stadium.

Islam Slimani is back from injury, but should make his first start for Newcastle. The Algerian, on loan from Leicester, picked up a thigh strain before his deadline day switch to Tyneside in January. Much of the build up to the Manchester United game centred on him and whether he would be fit enough; Benitez decided not to risk him, and as it turns out, making his debut in this game, coming off the back of that huge win, is probably better. His Premier League record is rather good, with eight goals in 15 starts, but Newcastle really need him to hit the ground running.

Bournemouth’s home form makes them favourites for this one, but Newcastle thrive on frustrating opponents. If they can take the sting out of the game early, their threat will begin to grow.

Defoe is expected to be back in the squad for this game, but starting may be something of a push for him. Long-term absentees Tyrone Mings and Brad Smith are not going to return, but Howe has no other concerns about his squad.

For Newcastle, Slimani is fully expected to play some part but could start on the bench. Jesus Gamez is still out, but there shouldn’t be too many other issues to contend with.

Expected line ups:

Bournemouth: Begovic, Daniels, Cook, Ake, Francis, Fraser, Arter, Gosling, Ibe, King, Wilson

Newcastle: Dubravka, Dummett, Lascelles, Lejeune, Yedlin, Atsu, Diame, Shelvey, Ritchie, Perez, Slimani

Did you know?

Newcastle have beaten Bournemouth just once since 1990, though that did come in their last visit to the Vitality Stadium. Ayoze Perez scored the only goal in a 1-0 win back in November 2015.

Prediction:

Despite that heavy defeat at Huddersfield, Bournemouth’s confidence should not be shaken ahead of this game. They will start quickly and an early goal will be telling, but Newcastle are in a good place at the moment, too, and will do everything in their power to frustrate them.

Slimani and Defoe could each have an impact, but the longer this stays level, the happier Newcastle will be.

Score Prediction: AFC Bournemouth 1-1 Newcastle United

x
Suggested Searches:
The Sportsman
Manchester United
Liverpool
Manchester City
Premier League
Sportsman HQ
72-76 Cross St
Manchester M2 4JG
We will not ask you to provide any personal information when using The Sportsman website. You may see advertisement banners on the site, and if you choose to visit those websites, you will accept the terms and conditions and privacy policy applicable to those websites. The link below directs you to our Group Privacy Policy, and our Data Protection Officer can be contacted by email at: [email protected]

All original material is Copyright © 2019 by The Sportsman Communications Ltd.
Other material is copyright their respective owners.