Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Dachbet
In an all-Premier League showdown from St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon, Newcastle and Bournemouth will be looking to extend on their respective FA Cup adventures.
Newcastle
Starting with the hosts, mounting what was a sensational last-gasp comeback at St. James’ Park earlier in the week as they eventually snatched a 4-3 victory against Leeds, Newcastle will certainly find the mood in their camp at a real high. Skyrocketing themselves into the European spots, Eddie Howe’s men have continued to impress on either side of opening the New Year. Getting 2026 underway with a 2-0 victory at home against Crystal Palace, the former Bournemouth boss has seen his squad win all of their previous three consecutive Premier League appearances by an aggregate score of 9-4. Enjoying their most fruitful spell since the end of October, Newcastle will be dreaming of the chance to mount a genuine FA Cup charge this year. It should also be highlighted, the Magpies are unbeaten in all of their last 12 straight showdowns at St. James’ Park (10 wins, two draws).
Newcastle Team News
Suffering what appeared to be a serious knee injury against Leeds on Wednesday night, Newcastle are expected to be without Swiss international Fabian Schar here. Likewise, both still recovering from their own respective knee issues, Howe’s side will be unable to call upon the duo of Emil Krafth and summer recruit Anthony Elanga.
With Howe looking to make a handful of alterations on Saturday afternoon, former Brentford striker Yoane Wissa should be handed a full recall. Despite recently sacrificing his spot between the sticks, ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale should replace Nick Pope.
Bournemouth
As for the visitors, snatching their own stunning last-gasp winner on home soil earlier in the week as they secured a thrilling 3-2 victory against Tottenham, Bournemouth are desperate to use that dramatic late flurry as a platform to build on. However, despite drawing a line under their nightmare spell on Wednesday night, Andoni Iraola’s men have shown some real cause for concern over the past couple of months. Getting the New Year underway with a rollercoaster 3-2 loss at the hands of Arsenal, the former Rayo Vallecano boss has remarkably seen his squad register just a single win from any of their previous 12 showdowns against Premier League opposition – a run that stems all the way back to October 26th. However, despite being pencilled in as a real underdog when they travel to Tyneside this weekend, Bournemouth did claim a sensational 4-1 romp when they last visited St. James’ Park 12 months ago.
Bournemouth Team News
Despite bagging that stunning last-gasp winner against Spurs on Wednesday night, attacking talisman Antoine Semenyo is expected to complete a blockbuster switch to Manchester City and will not travel to Tyneside. Both dealing with respective knee injuries, Bournemouth will be without the duo of Ryan Christie and USA international Tyler Adams.
Making another cameo appearance off the bench in midweek, Enes Unal could be handed a first start of the season on Saturday afternoon. Likewise, making an impact off the bench on Wednesday, Wales international David Brooks should be handed a full recall.
Newcastle vs Bournemouth Key Factors to Consider
- When Bournemouth last travelled to St. James’ Park back in January 2025, the Cherries stormed their way to a stunning 4-1 victory.
- Newcastle are are unbeaten in all of their last 12 straight showdowns at St. James’ Park (10 wins, two draws).
- The Magpies have also registered at least a pair of goals in all of those 12 consecutive home fixtures.
- Bournemouth’s 3-2 victory against Tottenham on Wednesday night was the only win that they have collected from their previous 12 meetings against Premier League opposition.
- All of Bournemouth’s last eight straight showdowns away from the Vitality have finished with over 3.5 goals.
Conclusion
Two camps who were involved in their own respective Premier League thrillers earlier in the week, neutrals could be treated to another pulsating battle from St. James’ Park. Watching Bournemouth sprung an almighty upset 12 months ago as they stormed their way to an empathic 4-1 victory on Tyneside, both of Saturday’s opponents have a habit for their action-packed outings. Along with Newcastle continued free-scoring performances at St. James’ Park, it should also be noted that all of Bournemouth’s last eight straight showdowns away from the Vitality have finished with over 3.5 goals.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Dachbet
