Newcastle United might only be three points above the relegation zone, but they have had most of the stat of the season playing the top teams. Having picked up four points from their last two games, it is tempting to think that Newcastle are on the right track.
The home form of Newcastle United is pretty good of late. They have picked up a draw against Wolves and beat Man United 1-0, just like Bournemouth, as well as picking up score draws against Brighton and Watford. In fact, they haven't been beaten at St James' Park, but they have been drawing a few too many games. One win though and they would close up to a point behind Bournemouth.
Where Newcastle have been less successful is in keeping goals out. They tend to concede a goal a game consistently. Looking at the last home game the Toon had, they gave Wolves as many shots as Newcastle had themselves and Wolves had five shots on target. Against Man United they also conceded possession at 32 per cent but kept a clean sheet and had as many shots as United. Brighton too had the majority of possession at 72 per cent and it is likely that Newcastle are setting up this way to try and catch teams on the break.
For Bournemouth there will be an enforced change with Jefferson Lerma suspended for one match, but we have seen Dan Gosling training this week and Lewis Cook will also have his eyes on a starting spot next to Philip Billing. Let's also not forget that AFCb are going for a record fourth clean sheet in a row in the Premier League today, such has been the form of Nathan Aké and Steve Cook.
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So, I don't see this as a bottom side against a top side. The two teams are probably going to be quite evenly matched. Newcastle played very much on the break against West Ham in their last match and only had 30 per cent possession. But on the break they were fast with Allan Saint-Maxim making incisive runs down the middle of the pitch. Joelinton has also kept his place in the starting line-up, even if he has only scored once in 11 games. Paraguayan Miguel Almirón has also been consistently picked by Bruce in midfield alongside JonJo Shelvey.
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Possible AFCB Line-up
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| AFCB Subs: Boruc, Francis, Kelley, Mepham, Gosling, Danjuma, Solanke |
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