Newcastle carried an 11-match unbeaten run into the World Cup break.
Eddie Howe’s options might be a bit limited here with a few players returning from injury and Alexander Isak still sidelined, but the Magpies are still deserving of favourites status against a struggling Bournemouth.
The Cherries did win their last two before the hiatus, however, including a League Cup thumping of Everton. On their return from the World Cup, Chris Mepham and Kieffer Moore are expected to start for the south coast club.
First Goalscorer: Chris Wood
Howe will probably give Callum Wilson the night off despite his limited role with England in Qatar.
Chris Wood should deputise up top. Wood already has a goal to his name in the League Cup, and found the net against Southampton three matches ago.
Newcastle have created a lot of chances this season. Bournemouth’s defence has often been shaky. Wood is going to spend plenty of time in the penalty area, and could have a few goal-scoring opportunities fall at his feet.
Win to Nil: Newcastle
Newcastle have won their last three home league matches to nil.
They have kept six clean sheets in nine home fixtures in all competitions. While it was a 1-1 draw when Bournemouth visited earlier this season, the hosts have gone from strength to strength since then.
Bournemouth already have three defeats to nil on the road this term. Even with some starters missing, Newcastle should win this match comfortably.
Total Corners: Over 9.5
There is an average of 10.4 corners in Newcastle’s Premier League matches, and 10.1 in Bournemouth’s fixtures. Only Liverpool and Manchester City win more than the Magpies, while only Everton concede more than Bournemouth.
Don’t be put off by the nine total corners when these teams last met. Newcastle could easily reach double figures on their own here.
All odds are subject to change
