Newcastle and Bournemouth set for top-seven showdown

Match Preview

Newcastle United welcome Bournemouth AFC to St James' Park in an important Premier League match. Both teams are in strong form, with Newcastle on a nine-match winning streak and Bournemouth unbeaten in their last ten games. The Magpies aim to strengthen their position in the top five, while the Cherries seek to close the gap on the European places.
Newcastle have climbed from twelfth to fifth in the league, amassing 35 points from 20 matches. Bournemouth are close behind in seventh place with 33 points from 21 games. This fixture presents an opportunity for both sides to advance their ambitions for the season.

Team Analysis

Newcastle have been impressive recently, securing victories against top teams like Manchester United and Tottenham. At home, they have won five of nine matches, scoring an average of 1.6 goals per game and conceding 0.9. Their defence has been solid, and they have capitalised on scoring opportunities.
Bournemouth have shown resilience, remaining unbeaten in their last ten matches. Away from home, they have won four of ten games, scoring an average of 1.8 goals per match and conceding 1.6. Their away fixtures often see goals from both sides, with 70% having over 2.5 goals. Bournemouth's ability to score on the road makes them a challenging opponent.
In their last fourteen meetings, both teams have won five times each, with four draws. Matches between Newcastle and Bournemouth have averaged 2.7 goals per game. At St James' Park, Newcastle have won three of six encounters, with two draws and one win for Bournemouth.

Player Analysis

Newcastle's Alexander Isak has been in excellent form, scoring in eight consecutive Premier League appearances. His contributions have been key to Newcastle's recent success. Anthony Gordon and Joelinton have also been important, providing goals and assists. Bruno Guimarães has been influential in midfield, contributing both offensively and defensively.
Bournemouth's Justin Kluivert has been a standout performer, leading the league with six penalty goals this season. Antoine Semenyo has been making significant contributions to the team's attacking play. The Cherries face injury concerns, with key forwards Evanilson and Enes Unal unavailable, which may affect their attacking options.
Newcastle have injury issues as well, with players like Jamaal Lascelles, Harvey Barnes, Nick Pope, and Callum Wilson unavailable. The absence of Callum Wilson may impact their attacking depth, but Isak's form provides confidence in their forward line.

Expected lineup

Newcastle are likely to continue with a 4-2-3-1 formation. If fit, Nick Pope may start in goal, with Tino Livramento, Dan Burn, Lloyd Kelly, and Lewis Hall forming the defence. In midfield, Sean Longstaff and Bruno Guimarães are expected to hold central roles. Ahead of them, Jacob Murphy, Joelinton, and Anthony Gordon may support Alexander Isak in attack. If Isak is unavailable, Gordon could move into the striker role, with Miguel Almirón or Elliot Anderson coming into the midfield.
Bournemouth are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation as well. Neto should be in goal, with a back four of Adam Smith, Illya Zabarnyi, Dean Huijsen, and Milos Kerkez. In central midfield, Hamed Traore and Ryan Christie may start. The attacking trio of Dango Ouattara, Antoine Semenyo, and David Brooks could support Justin Kluivert up front. With Philip Billing suspended and several injuries, Bournemouth may have to rely on their squad depth to fill key positions.
Both teams will aim to utilise their formations to control the midfield and create scoring opportunities. The match is set to be closely contested, with both sides eager to secure a positive result.

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Both Teams to Score at 1.61 Odds

In recent meetings between Newcastle United and Bournemouth, goals have been a common feature. In their last ten Premier League encounters, both teams have scored in nine matches, highlighting a strong trend for this outcome. Bournemouth's away fixtures this season have seen both teams find the net in 70% of cases, with the Cherries averaging 1.8 goals scored and 1.6 conceded per game on the road.

Newcastle have been productive at home, scoring in each of their last nine Premier League matches. With an average of 1.6 goals per home game, they pose a significant threat going forward. However, they have also conceded in 40% of their matches at St James' Park. Bournemouth's attacking players, such as Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo, are in good form and capable of capitalising on any defensive lapses. Considering these factors, backing both teams to score offers solid value.

Alexander Isak to Have Over 2.5 Shots on Target at 3.15 Odds

Alexander Isak has been a key figure for Newcastle United, netting in eight consecutive Premier League appearances. His confidence in front of goal is evident, and he's become a focal point of Newcastle's attacking play. The team averages 14.05 shots per game, with 4.55 on target, and Isak contributes significantly to these numbers.

Facing a Bournemouth side that concedes an average of 1.6 goals per away match, Isak is likely to have opportunities to test the goalkeeper. With Bournemouth's defence missing key players like Marcos Senesi, there could be more space for Isak to exploit. His ability to find shooting positions and his recent form suggest he can register over 2.5 shots on target in this match.

Jacob Murphy to Score Anytime at 4.50 Odds

Jacob Murphy has been an important part of Newcastle's attacking setup, especially with injuries to players like Callum Wilson. Expected to start, Murphy has the chance to make a significant impact against Bournemouth. He has been getting into promising positions and providing a threat from the flanks.

Bournemouth have conceded in 70% of their away games this season, and with their defensive ranks depleted, Murphy has a good opportunity to add to his goal tally. His pace and willingness to take on defenders could prove troublesome for Bournemouth's backline. Given the circumstances, backing Murphy to score anytime offers worthwhile odds.

Bet Builder @ 22.82 Odds

Combining these three selections into a bet builder yields attractive potential returns: - Both Teams to Score at 1.61 odds - Alexander Isak to have over 2.5 shots on target at 3.15 odds - Jacob Murphy to score anytime at 4.50 odds With combined odds of 22.82, a £10 bet could return £228.20 if successful.