Bournemouth vs Newcastle United predictions: Bournemouth line-up
The return of Callum Wilson proved to be a massive boost for Bournemouth as they ended a five-game winless run which included losses to Cardiff City, Liverpool and Manchester City.
The England striker scored one and assisted another as the Cherries finished on the right side of a 2-0 scoreline against relegation-threatened Huddersfield.
However, that isn’t the end for them as they face Rafael Benitez’s Newcastle United next before going to the King Power Stadium to face Leicester City.
The club were on course for a European spot before injures plagued them and that affected the performance. But the timely return of Ryan Fraser, David Brooks and Wilson himself could change things.
At the moment, the Cherries sit at 12th place, seven points behind seventh-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers. That being said, Bournemouth are only one big win behind ninth-placed West Ham, who only have a two-point lead over them.
While a top-seven spot may be a little out of their reach, a top half finish isn’t, but they’ll have to get a few wins out of their final eight games.
Team News
The Cherries still have Steven Cook, Junior Stanislas, Lewis Cook and Simon Francis out injured. Right-back Adam Smith limped
Probable Bournemouth XI
Formation: 4-2-2-2
Manager: Eddie Howe
Artur Boruc (GK)
The 39-year-old has become manager Eddie Howe’s main man between the sticks over the last few months, with Asmir Begovic iced out.
Nathaniel Clyne (RB)
The 27-year-old has played every game barring one since his loan move to Bournemouth and that one was against parent club, Liverpool. Should start.
Nathan Ake (CB)
There is no-one else that Eddie Howe can trust more to rule his backline than Ake, with the former Chelsea man growing from strength to strength in his time at the Vitality.
Chris Mepham (CB)
Like Nathaniel Clyne, Mepham has played all but one game since his January arrival, proving to be Steve Cook’s long-term replacement.
Charlie Daniels (LB)
32 years old and Charlie Daniels still manages to make his younger Bournemouth teammates feel like slouches. Should start this game.
Jefferson Lerma (CM)
The Colombian has been among Bournemouth’s best players and that says something given the season David Brooks, Ryan Fraser and Callum Wilson are having.
Dan Gosling (CM)
Andrew Surman and Dan Gosling have been taking turns to play alongside Lerma since Lewis Cook’s injury and should continue to do so.
David Brooks (RW)
A revelation this season, Brooks has been in exceptional form, producing 10 goals in 24 appearances this season.
Ryan Fraser (LW)
The Scottish international has really found his stride this season and is behind only Eden Hazard with 10 assists, contributing with 6 goals as well.
Callum Wilson (RF)
Bournemouth’s top scorer, Wilson has been impeccably brilliant, finally getting the success he deserves with 11 goals and 7 assists in the Premier League.
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Joshua King (LF)
The former Manchester United man picked up the slack in Callum Wilson’s absence but the return of the prodigal son should see him play a supporting role.
