Bournemouth vs Newcastle Prediction & Betting Tips (25 August)

Bournemouth was one of the nice surprises of the previous season. The Cherries alternated between solid performances and more complicated periods throughout the year, sometimes showing a bright face, sometimes going through difficult times. They ended their season on a poor run, winning only 2 of their last 8 games (5 defeats, 1 draw), including three consecutive losses to Arsenal 3-0, Brentford 1-2 and Chelsea 2-1. Their cup journey also ended in the round of 16, with a defeat against Leicester. Their summer preparation began with a 1-1 draw against Wrexham followed by a penalty shootout defeat against Arsenal 1-1 in normal time. However, Bournemouth then distinguished themselves by beating La Liga sides Vallecano 1-0 and Girona 3-2. To kick off the Premier League season, they secured an encouraging draw at Nottingham 1-1. Newcastle will not participate in European competitions this season after finishing in 7th place in the Premier League last season.

passed. This result is all the more surprising given that they had played in the Champions League the previous season, where they were eliminated in the group stage, facing formidable opponents such as finalist Dortmund, semi-finalist PSG and AC Milan. Despite a strong end to the season with only two defeats against United 3-2 and Palace 2-0, they had notable wins against Tottenham 4-0, West Ham 4-3 and Brentford 4-2 among other 6 wins, 2 draws, 2 defeats in the last 10 days. To prepare, the Magpies played seven friendly matches, with a positive record of five victories, including one after a penalty shootout against Tottenham 1-1 FM, as well as successes against Hull City 0-2, Urawa 1- 4, Girona 4-0 and Brest 1-0. However, they also suffered defeats against Australia's All Star selection 8-0 and Japan's Yokohama 2-0 but with a completely overhauled squad. On the opening day against Southampton, despite an early sending off, Newcastle managed to secure a narrow 1-0 victory. 

Bournemouth has seen some notable changes with the end of Lloyd Kelly's contract and the departures of Kieffer Moore to Sheffield and Solanke, who joined Tottenham for more than 60 million euros, a great deal for the club. On the other hand, the news is encouraging with the definitive recruitment of Enes Unal and Luis Sinisterra, the latter having been particularly effective on his flank. Traoré's return from loan, after a good season at Napoli, is also a positive point. Recently, Julian Araujo, a full-back from FC Barcelona where he didn't really have a chance, was recruited, as was Jebbison, scorer of a friendly goal against Girona, the young defender Dean Huijsen (19 years old, Juventus) and striker Evanilson from Porto, who will try to compensate for Solanke's absence. The team has a promising defense with youngsters Zabarnyi and Kerkez and a rich midfield with Adams, Billing, Scott, Christie, Tavernier and Faivre. For this meeting, Enes Unal is absent following a relapse, as is Brooks (2 goals, 6 assists last season) and the less used Tyler Adams. Newcastle strengthened their defense with the free arrival of Lloyd Kelly, from from Bournemouth, as well as the definitive acquisition of Lewis Hall, who had been on loan from Chelsea. Goalkeeper Vlachodimos, transferred from Nottingham, completes this defensive reinforcement.

Elsewhere, William Osula joined the club from Sheffield Utd. However, young talents Anderson and Minteh left the club for Nottingham and Brighton respectively, generating a handsome fee. Ritchie, who had limited playing time last season (13 appearances in the PL), chose to sign with Portsmouth, recently promoted to D2. The essential elements remain in place, with a solid defense consisting of Schar, Trippier, Botman and captain Lascelles, although the latter two are currently injured. In midfield, Guimaraes must do without Tonali, still under suspension, and in attack, players like Gordon (11 goals, 10 assists last season in the PL) and the talented Isak (21 goals) continue to be major assets. Joelinton scored the only goal in the first match of the season. Tonali remains suspended, and Miley, Lascelles, Botman as well as Callum Wilson (9 PL goals last season) are injured and absent for the coming weekend.