Overview
Newcastle made early pre-season doubts unfounded when the new squad under Matthias Jaissle started with an unbeaten record after 3 matches. They won 4 points in the Premier League, along with a victory over West Brom in the 2nd round of the Carabao Cup.
Newcastle almost defeated Liverpool in the Premier League opening match when the two teams drew 2-2. Jaissle then had their first victory last weekend, when 2 goals in the second half from Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa helped Newcastle overcome Tottenham 2-0.
Continuing their form from the end of last season, Newcastle has won 3 of their last 6 matches in the Premier League, besides 2 draws and 1 defeat. Notably, this number of wins is equal to their record in the previous 13 matches, when Newcastle only won 3 matches, drew 1 and lost 9.
However, the defense is still a problem that makes Jaissle worried. Newcastle is facing 44 shots, the most in the Premier League this season. This is also the most shots they have suffered in the first 2 matches of a season since the 2003-2004 season. Meanwhile, in the opening 2 matches of last season, Newcastle only let the opponent take a total of 8 shots.
Jaissle sees the victory over Tottenham as "a step in the right direction". The 38-year-old captain believes that Newcastle's identity is very suitable for the direct and energetic attacking style of play he is applying.
However, Bournemouth will be a difficult challenge. Newcastle has not won in the last 8 matches against Bournemouth in the Premier League, including 5 draws and 3 defeats. Their last victory against this opponent was a 4-1 victory in July 2020, when Bournemouth was still led by Eddie Howe.
Bournemouth is one of 8 teams that have not won in the Premier League this season. They lost to Manchester City 1-2 in the opening match before drawing with Everton 1-1 at home last weekend.
Marco Rose's team also continues to have problems in protecting the advantage. Bournemouth has lost 28 points in the Premier League since the beginning of last season. They once led Man City but let the opponent come back when the match was less than 10 minutes away, before James Tarkowski scored the equalizer for Everton in the 90+1 minute at Vitality Stadium.
Set-piece situations are also a worrying weakness of Bournemouth. They have conceded 28 goals from set-piece situations in the Premier League, the most in the league. In both of the first 2 matches of this season, Bournemouth conceded goals from corner kicks.
However, Marco Rose still maintains an optimistic attitude and believes that Bournemouth will soon improve their performance.
Bournemouth has more basis for hope as they have defeated Newcastle in the last 2 Premier League away games. They average 1.75 points per game at St James' Park, with 14 points after 8 appearances.
Expected lineup:
Hornicek, Dedic, Thiaw, Botman, Hall, Willock, Gonzalez, Miley, Elanga, Wissa, Barnes.
Petrovic, Smith, Hill, Silva, Truffert, Cook, Scott, Rayan, Kluivert, Tavernier, Evalinson.
The match between Newcastle and Bournemouth takes place at 6:30 p.m. on September 5 (Vietnam time).
