“Eddie’s Return to face his former club”- Chris Sutton predicts who will win on Sunday between Bournemouth and Newcastle
Eddie Howe is gearing up for an emotional return to familiar territory as Newcastle United travel to the South Coast to face Bournemouth in their second Premier League match of the season. The Magpies are looking to build momentum with a second consecutive victory, following a hard-fought 1-0 win over Southampton in their opening fixture. However, despite the positive result, Newcastle’s performance was far from flawless, and Howe will be keen to see his players deliver a more convincing display against a side that holds a special place in his heart.
The season opener at St. James’ Park was a tense affair that didn’t entirely go according to plan for Newcastle. The match was a cagey contest, with both teams struggling to impose themselves. It wasn’t until late in the game that Newcastle managed to break the deadlock, thanks to Joelinton’s decisive contribution. The Brazilian midfielder was a driving force for the Magpies, his energy and determination setting the tone for a team that appeared to be struggling to find its rhythm. His efforts were crucial in securing the three points, but the overall performance left many fans and pundits questioning whether Newcastle had truly kicked off the season in the manner they had hoped.
The game took a dramatic turn when Fabian Schar was controversially sent off in the second half. The red card, which many considered soft, seemed to ignite a sense of injustice among the Newcastle faithful. Instead of dampening their spirits, Schar’s dismissal galvanized the crowd at St. James’ Park, transforming the atmosphere into one of defiance and unity. The Toon Army roared their team on, and the players responded in kind, digging deep to hold on to their slender lead. This moment of adversity showcased the resilience and character within the squad, qualities that will be vital as they embark on what promises to be a challenging season.
Now, as Newcastle United prepare to hit the road, they face the daunting task of improving their dismal away record from last season. The Magpies struggled on their travels throughout the 2023/24 campaign, a weakness that ultimately hindered their progress. For Eddie Howe, who is determined to push Newcastle into the upper echelons of the Premier League, addressing this issue is a top priority. A successful season will require consistency both at home and away, and their first opportunity to prove themselves on the road comes against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium—a ground steeped in personal significance for Howe.
Chris Sutton, the former footballer turned pundit, has already dubbed the upcoming match the ‘Eddie Howe Derby,’ a nod to the Newcastle manager’s deep connection with Bournemouth. Howe spent over a decade at the helm of the Cherries, guiding them from the lower leagues to the Premier League, and his legacy at the club is firmly established. Speaking to BBC Sport, Sutton offered his thoughts on the match, highlighting the potential impact of Bournemouth’s new signing, Evanilson. The Brazilian forward, who joined Bournemouth for a club-record fee of £40.2 million, is expected to add firepower to their attack. However, despite Bournemouth’s strengths and the potential boost from their new acquisition, Sutton believes Newcastle have the edge.
Reflecting on last week’s matches, Sutton acknowledged that both teams had mixed fortunes. Newcastle “huffed and puffed” their way to a victory over Southampton, while Bournemouth were held to a draw by Nottingham Forest—a result that left the Cherries feeling they had missed an opportunity. Despite these contrasting outcomes, Sutton is backing Newcastle to come out on top, predicting a 2-1 victory for Howe’s side. He highlighted his admiration for Newcastle forward Alexander Isak, suggesting that the Swedish striker could be the difference-maker in a closely contested match.
However, while Sutton’s prediction favors Newcastle, the history books tell a different story. Eddie Howe’s record against his former club since taking charge of Newcastle has been anything but straightforward. In four Premier League encounters, Howe’s Newcastle have failed to secure a single victory against Bournemouth, with three draws and one defeat. The solitary loss came at the Vitality Stadium last season, a result that stung for Howe, given his deep ties to the Cherries. The only time he has tasted victory over his former club was in the Carabao Cup during his first full season at St. James’ Park. A 1-0 win in December 2022 helped propel Newcastle towards the Carabao Cup final, where they ultimately fell short against Manchester United.
This time around, Howe has the advantage of fielding a much stronger team than in previous encounters with Bournemouth. Last season, Newcastle’s attacking options were severely hampered by injuries to key strikers Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, both of whom missed the fixtures against the Cherries. The absence of an out-and-out striker was a significant blow, leaving Newcastle toothless in attack. However, as they prepare for Sunday’s clash, Isak is fit and ready to lead the line. The Swedish international, who has been a standout performer for Newcastle since his arrival, is eager to get his season up and running after drawing a blank in the win over Southampton.
In addition to Isak’s return, Newcastle’s defensive lineup will be bolstered by the presence of Emil Krafth. The 30-year-old Swedish international is set to start in place of the suspended Fabian Schar, providing stability and experience at the back. Krafth, who has been a reliable figure for Newcastle when called upon, will be tasked with helping to keep Bournemouth’s attack at bay, particularly with the threat posed by Evanilson and his fellow forwards.
As Newcastle United prepare for this crucial early-season encounter, the stakes are high. A victory would not only maintain their perfect start to the campaign but also serve as a statement of intent, signaling that the Magpies are ready to compete at the highest level. For Eddie Howe, the match is more than just another fixture; it’s an opportunity to exorcise the demons of past encounters with Bournemouth and to prove that his Newcastle side is capable of challenging the Premier League’s best, both at home and on the road.
The journey to success in the Premier League is long and arduous, but with a stronger squad, renewed determination, and the invaluable experience of their manager, Newcastle United will be hoping to take another significant step forward on Sunday. All eyes will be on the Vitality Stadium as Eddie Howe returns to the place where his managerial career began, now leading a team with ambitions that stretch far beyond survival—ambitions that, if fulfilled, could see Newcastle United rise to new heights in the seasons to come.