AFC Bournemouth vs Newcastle Predictions

• Bournemouth lost only six of 26 games against sides from seventh and below
• Newcastle lost nine visits to the top 12 last term, including a defeat at Bournemouth
• Fabian Schar’s red card has caused selection issues for Eddie Howe

Defensive concerns for Newcastle

Newcastle’s 1-0 victory over Southampton came at a cost, with defender Fabian Schar picking up a red card. The Swiss centre-half is a key absentee with Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman already ruled out of this weekend’s game.

The Newcastle defence is already in transition, with Tino Livramento stepping in for Kieran Trippier at right-back. Their selection issues at the heart of the defence has pushed Dan Burn into the middle, with Lewis Hall coming in at left-back. Emil Krafth joined those three for over an hour against the Saints, with Newcastle conceding 1.95 xG despite claiming a victory.

Now they face a tougher challenge, with their away form under the microscope for the first time since their dire road record in the 2023/24 campaign.

Opportunity for Cherries

Bournemouth made an encouraging start to the new campaign, drawing 1-1 away to Nottingham Forest. Returning to the Vitality should be a boost for the Cherries, who lost just six times at their own ground last season.

Losing Dominic Solanke to Tottenham and Lloyd Kelly to Newcastle is a blow, but the Cherries have added quality this summer and Andoni Iraola has impressed so far. They look good going forward and they rarely struggled last term outside of the top teams in the division.

Outside of the top six, Bournemouth lost only six times in 26 games. At home, they lost only twice in 13 matches too, which included a 2-0 win over Newcastle.

Back hosts for victory

Newcastle were awful on their travels last season, suffering 11 defeats. Nine of those losses came in 11 clashes with the top 12, including a 2-0 defeat away to Bournemouth last term.

The Cherries are well placed to make a strong start at home and they’re fine value on the draw-no-bet market. Given how consistent they were last term, getting odds-against on the win with insurance for the draw really appeals.

Finally, Justin Kluivert enjoyed a solid season with seven Premier League goals, five of which came at their own ground. He finished with a flourish, scoring in three of the Cherries’ final four home matches. Back him to pick up where he left off.