Charlie Nicholas has predicted that Newcastle United will be beaten by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
Rafa Benitez’s side will make the long journey down to the south coast knowing that they are in good form having won four of their last seven Premier League games, while the Cherries have just one win in their last six outings.
However that has not stopped Nicholas from predicting that Bournemouth will win 3-2 against Newcastle, in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
“If I was picking a game to watch on Saturday afternoon this is the one I would like. Bournemouth are very good to watch. Callum Wilson is back and he’s got an international call-up again. He must be feeling good about himself,” Nicholas said on the Sky Sports website.
“I like Josh King and Wilson as a partnership – good movement and a real partnership. They’re weak at the back because of injuries but the twist here with Rafael Benitez is he’s let his team off the reigns a bit. Miguel Almiron has improved them and when you buy that type of player you must be more adventurous. Him, Ayoze Perez and Salomon Rondon are a handful. Whoever watches this should be in for a treat.”
OPINION
Based on the form of the two teams, it would be a bit of a shock if Newcastle were to lose this, especially after they came from two goals down to beat Everton 3-2 at St James’ Park last week. However the Bournemouth are probably the favourites because they are at home and are also likely to be on a high after their 2-0 win against Huddersfield in their last outing. Newcastle won their home meeting with the south coast club, but Howe’s men have improved since then and as Nicholas says, Wilson will be on cloud nine after being called up to play for England. Newcastle are also without a win on the road since December 15th when they beat relegation-threatened Huddersfield. Nicholas is right to predict an entertaining game between the two sides, and he might also be correct to predict a victory for Bournemouth. There should be plenty of goals in this fixture.