Callum Wilson knows goals are what will keep him in the England team

Callum Wilson has had a bit of a lean spell in front of goal. He is still top scorer though at AFCB and I'm sure he loves the pressure of being the man who is expected to be the leading goalscorer for the club at the end of the season. His competition for England spaces is now very high, with young forwards such as Tammy Abrahmam, Marcus Rashford and the more experienced captain, Harry Kane, vying for starting positions.

Callum Wilson could do with a goal boost this weekend.

Callum has always looked good when playing for his country, but he hasn't had that many minutes. I was impressed with his performance at the end of the last England game and yet it will be tough for him to get a start at the moment. Callum has to keep playing well for AFCB and that is probably his main concern. If he can keep up with the top goalscorers in the Premier League, he won't be overlooked.

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I am not sure when the last Bournemouth player went to a tournament for the full England squad, but there has to be a good chance that Callum can achieve that next year. It is crazy that Tyrone Mings could also achieve that, and it shows me how careers can take sudden changes in direction. It will be good for both Callum and Villa's Tyrone to get some top European football, and I expect the European Championship's can't come soon enough for them. But there will be growing expectations on the team to do well in a tournament that can be considered a home Championship.

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Trying to keep doing the right thing is not easy when you are in the limelight for England, Callum is very focused though, and you can see that playing for England means a lot for him. But he can't take it for granted, for as we have seen, even Manchester United players fall out of the squad when they are not performing and Jesse Lingard would have been expected to be in front of Callum Wilson only a few months ago.

Score Prediction
You can enter the score prediction competition for Newcastle United v AFCB - but the prize is a MEDIUM SIZED T-shirt - we have run out of the large size. Send your answers into @CherryChimes before the game starts.

Rival Lines: AFCB need to tackle Europe's most prolific dribbler!

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Newcastle Utd v AFCB
Blogger Interview: NUFC Blog The Talk of the Toon
Twitter: @NUFCBlog

I spoke with Olly this week at NUFC Blog a leading Newcastle United blog. I wanted to see how things were now under Steve Bruce and if the fans were getting down to watching to football and if they had a strong opinion about any of the new players.

CC: What have you made to Steve Bruce's start to the season - is he beginning to win fans over?

NUFC: It's been worrying at times, with us often leaving our new £40m striker far too isolated and lacking a real threat in the final third as a result, but results over the past few weeks have picked up. I'm still disappointed by his appointment and worry for us this season, but am encouraged by the fact we've steadied the ship with two wins, one draw and one loss at Chelsea in our last four.

CC: Last time out Newcastle went into a 0-3 win against West Ham and the game looked over, so how concerning is it that the Hammers scored twice late on?

NUFC: It was more the fact we failed to finish our chances to put the game completely out of sight - although I was very encouraged to finally see us create and score more than once for the first time this season! That said, it is a slight worry that we made hard work of a game we should've won by three or four, with us clinging on in the end despite a completely abject display from West Ham in all areas of the pitch. We can't afford to be so wasteful at both ends on Saturday.

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CC: Allan-Saint Maxim was remarkably quick against West Ham. Has it taken him a while to get up to speed in the Premier League?

NUFC: He is a real livewire and tore Pablo Zabaleta to shreds on Saturday, so he's a real one to watch for you this weekend. I hope your right-back is ready as he'll be coming up against Europe's most prolific dribbler according to the stats!

He's settled into life on Tyneside brilliantly, but it must be said that a hamstring injury made for a stuttering start to his season. Thankfully, he's come through our last few games unscathed and looks a huge threat - although he must improve his final ball, with him wasting a few big one-on-ones at West Ham.

CC: I hear Matt Ritchie is out with an ankle injury that he had operated on. Is he a big miss for Newcastle United these days?

NUFC:  Luckily, Dutch loanee Jetro Willems has come in and played superbly in Ritchie's absence, meaning he may struggle to get back into the side when fully fit. That said, his energy, passion and commitment to the cause is absolutely outstanding and has been missed at times. He isn't the most talented of players, but he's a fan favourite for his drive and determination alone.

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CC: Selling Ayoze Perez to Leicester must have gone down pretty badly with Newcastle fans, I'm guessing - signs of no ambition - perhaps?

NUFC: It was a bitter pill to swallow, but Leicester's ambition on and off the pitch over the past few seasons proves exactly why he was right to join them, sadly. He was a streaky player who'd go missing at times then suddenly fire in five goals in four games, but he always worked hard, chipped in with vital goals and flourished under Rafa Benitez's guidance over the past two years.

CC: JonJo Shelvey appears to be back to his best. Do you think he is playing his best football at the moment at Newcastle?

NUFC: He was back to his best last Saturday, but that was a rare start for him these days and the sort of performance that has been few and far between during his Newcastle career in recent years. He has bags of ability and stunning technique at times, but consistency and his work ethic off the ball has always been the big issue. The true test will be seeing if he can put in a repeat performance on Saturday, with him almost certain to start with Sean Longstaff suspended.

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CC: Newcastle have played many of the big teams so do you have a false league position and that the team can start picking up points more rapidly now with the next round of fixtures?

NUFC: You're right, we have played several top six sides this season and are set to face several more 'winnable' games between now and Christmas, however it's worth nothing that we've beaten Man Utd and Spurs but failed to win any of our games against Norwich, Brighton, Watford and Wolves so far. No disrespect, but Saturday's game will be a test of our ability to win against a beatable side at St James' Park.

CC: Having beaten Spurs and Man Utd, Newcastle seem to get up for the big games. So is it more of a worry when you have a team like AFC Bournemouth coming to your ground?

NUFC: Definitely. It's almost like we don't know how to approach a game where we are expected to be on the front foot, where as we thrive against 'bigger' sides, being better when we sit back, absorb pressure and then hit teams on the counter.

That said, we'll be motivated to come away with another win on Saturday and keep the momentum going after by far our best attacking display of the season at West Ham last time out.

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CC: Only Watford have scored fewer goals than Newcastle - is that because Steve Bruce stets up too defensively?

NUFC: At times yes, without a doubt. Joelinton has been far too isolated for the vast majority of this season, however our transfer policy has also been flawed.

We lost two proven Premier League goal scorers over the summer in Perez and Rondón and replaced them with a talented but unproven young duo from abroad in Saint-Maximin and Joelinton.

They have plenty of ability, but we've placed a lot of pressure on young shoulders here so have to hope we can play with much more attacking intent as we did last weekend. Things are starting to click, but our front three have scored just once between them all season, so confidence in front of goal is still low – despite signs of improvement.

CC: How do you expect Newcastle to line up for this game?

NUFC: Dubravka - Yedlin, Fernandez (Schar if he's fit to return), Lascelles, Clark, Willems - Hayden, Shelvey - Almiron, Joelinton, Saint-Maximin.

We tend to play with three centre-backs, two wing-backs, two holding midfielders and two wide men either side of a central striker. It's often a 3-4-2-1 with the ball and a 5-4-1 off the ball.

CC: What is your score prediction for the match?

NUFC: My heart fancies us to pick up from where we left off and take all three points in a 2-1 win, but my head fears that we'll struggle to cope with Wilson and King and be picked off. With that in mind, I'll say a 1-1 draw.

You have a dynamic attack that can cause any defence trouble on your day, but I've noticed you've scored just one goal in your last four and will be without Jefferson Lerma. A draw seems the most likely outcome to me.

CC: Thanks to Olly. The score prediction is a tough call this week. I don't think either team will want a draw but it could be a likely out come with clean sheets prominent for Bournemouth. Newcastle will have to show their home fans they can do it at St James' Park and that brings its own pressure, but Steve Bruce is clearly loving it back in the Premier League and AFCB will need to be ready for his game plan. Read more re-match views of Newcastle United at NUFC Blog.

Are Bournemouth about to unleash more goals?

It has been a bit of a grind up front for the Cherries of late. One goal in four games is not very characteristic of Eddie Howe sides, but the creativity of the side was buzzing again in the last game against Man United, and they'll need that against Newcastle who are also in good form.

Ryan Fraser is stuck on one goal this season which he scored against Everton.

Callum Wilson leads the goalscoring chart on four goals but hasn't scored sine the West Ham game at the end of September. You could say he is due a goal and yet his record has not suddenly come to a slowdown, because he has been missing many chances. I suppose the way he walked through Watford's defence and yet ran out of room to score was the most annoying chance he had to add to his total, but Callum is always on the edge and looking for that opportunity. It will come, and he could do with a goal going into the international break.

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Josh King has three goals now and will be pleased that he has scored from open play again having last done that against West Ham United. He may be disappointed to have only had the one penalty at Aston Villa to stick away, but his general play has been extremely good considering he has played on the wing and upfront. He is only five goals away from having 50 career Premier League goals, and this season he already has two assists. Bournemouth always look a powerful side with Josh King in full flow and he'll want to get on a scoring run to keep his position ahead of Dominic Solanke.

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The other attacker that is critical to AFCB's balance is Ryan Fraser. I felt he was getting back to his best against Manchester United. He was getting back to do the things he does well in making early passes and shooting as soon as he saw an opportunity. He may have been critical himself of not hitting the odd volley as crisply as he'd like, but he is looking more like the player of last season which is great to see. He probably just needs to up his shot count which is a steady 11 shots from 10 appearances.

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If these three can click and Harry Wilson can put some of his magic on free kicks at Newcastle United, we could see a goal haul yet return to AFCB. The team is playing well enough if they can keep creating the chances.

Brooks' return might well take AFCB up another level

While Eddie Howe has said that David Brooks is still some way off, returning because he hasn't trained with the team yet, I am one that can't wait to see him back playing. The Welsh winger has been out since pre-season with an ankle injury and Bournemouth have missed his vision and creative decision -making on the right wing.

David Brooks should be stepping up his training this month.

While Harry Wilson has come in and done a pretty good job, the understanding that Brooks has with King and Callum Wilson is exceptional. Brooks is a player that we know has shown fast improvement in his game every time he steps out in the Premier League. It will have been a while since David played and Eddie Howe will make sure it is not too soon, perhaps we will see him before the end of this month though.

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It makes me wonder, where would AFCB have been if David had been fit in the early part of the season? I think we all like to see the young players especially playing and doing well in the Premier League. That honour has probably fallen on Aaron Ramsdale the most this season and we can all see how much he is enjoying it.

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Eddie Howe is still probably not that satisfied with the right wing play for AFCB. We have seen Danjuma and Harry Wilson take turns to start n the last two games. In a way, it is the main little fix that Howe is perhaps most concerned with now. The defence is doing well and if Josh King, Ryan Fraser and Josh King can start picking up goals , there isn't a lot wring about the team if they can keep the clean sheets coming. Just that tweak in the right might take AFCB up one more level.

Philip Billing has fitted in well

We have now seen Philip Billing make 11 Premier League appearances for AFC Bournemouth and he has become a regular starter for Eddie Howe. His most difficult moment probably came against Aston Villa when he was booked in the first half, but he has picked up other cards at Leicester, Arsenal and Watford and will hope to avoid another card against Newcastle.

On the attacking front we are yet to see Philip break his duck, although he has come close a few times and he had managed one assist in his 11 games. He has had 13 shots so is averaging about one shot a game but has only had two on target, which to me indicates that he has been mainly shooting from long range. While he averages 43 passes a game, the thing that I have noted about his game is that he loves a long pass and has made 21 accurate long passes to date, according to his Premier League stats.

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This next weekend he will be playing without Jefferson Lerma, who has been suspended but he has played with Lewis Cook before and they played well together against Everton when the Cherries were dominant in midfield. It will be a bit of a little and large show again. Their challenge will be to keep the block on Newcastle and to keep the clean sheets going.

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Newcastle have some quick players and hit West Ham last week with their counter-attacking and long balls over the top. Bournemouth didn't defend too well against Leicester when they played balls over the top and bypassing Philip Billing and Lewis Cook is something that AFCB will have to watch out for.

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Josh King hits United where it hurts

Josh King will have been extremely happy to have netted against Man United. While they gave him the chance to develop his career, it is always sweet to score against a team that you no longer play for. Goals have not been flowing for Josh in the last few weeks, but he'll be pleased to have broken his draught and even more pleased that it didn't come form the penalty spot.

Josh King is starting to get some goals.

There has been some punditry blaming of Man United's defending for the goal, but Josh had a lot of work to do to make sure he got away when he had his back to goal. King did have a good amount of time to do his manoeuvre in the box, and he talked about it to BBC Radio Solent saying that you always have more time than you think. Still Wan-Bissaka was right behind him and it was a little fortunate that when the defender went for the ball he only succeeded in helping lob it towards goal and right on to King's right foot.


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The finish has been highly applauded, even though it was at close range. But the ability to swivel quickly and keep focused on the ball, knowing you have a defender trying to get a block in and a keeper narrowing down the angle is always going to be a stressful moment for a striker. King kept his head well and just trusted in his ability.

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Josh was very much in the game and was not finding it difficult to get plenty of the ball. The important thing was that in this game he managed to get into a good shooting position and while Bournemouth only had five shots on target all game, Josh was always creating and trying to get into position for a clean shot. If Josh is happier playing up front then I hope he gets to stay there as he is going to perform at his best when he is happy about where he is playing.

Was United game all about the first goal?

Ole Gunnar Solkjaer felt that the whole game between Bournemouth and Man Utd hung on who would get the first goal. It plays out that it was the correct call with only one goal being scored, but would Bournemouth have got a goal if Man United had scored in those first 20 minutes?

Man United just couldn't recover from going a goal down as AFCB's defence has improved.

We will never know, but AFCB have come back in games and when they have gone behind they haven't always failed to recover this season. The first goal is always massive in any game and of course it is a big advantage if your team gets it. Bournemouth were yet again, slow starters. It is something that Eddie Howe didn't talk that much about, but it should be a concern that the team is taking 10-15 minutes to find its feet in games. Against Arsenal it was 45 minutes before they felt comfortable.

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Giving good sides most of the possession in the first 20 minutes is not a great game plan. The Cherries have to find a way of being more assertive. It's not that the home support couldn't be heard and the atmosphere was great for getting the players up for the fight. Yet, the team often can't get on the front foot straight away.

Bournemouth were perhaps lucky that Man United were not in great shooting form and Ramsdale didn't have any awkward saves to make. James looked the player most likely to score for United, but as he was causing Rico a lot of problems down the left side of Bournemouth's defence, but he was probably taking on our most in form defender and Rico did okay.

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Somehow the Cherries need to play in the opposition half early on though if they are going to find their way to more opening goals.