newcastle vs bournemouth is set against sharply different momentum on Saturday at 15: 00 BST, with Newcastle United hosting Bournemouth at St James’ Park. Eddie Howe said captain Bruno Guimarães has a chance of making a long-awaited return from injury, but the final call will depend on Friday training. The match arrives as Newcastle try to halt a damaging slide and Bournemouth arrive on a long unbeaten run in the Premier League.
Newcastle Vs Bournemouth comes with pressure on both sides
Newcastle have lost seven of their last 10 Premier League matches and were beaten at Crystal Palace last weekend after a three-week break that did not change their recent pattern. It was their third loss in a row in all competitions, and another match in which they threw away a lead.
The numbers underline the problem. Newcastle have dropped 25 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season, more than any other side, and Howe has said that statistic has “blighted our season. ” They have also conceded 30 goals after scoring first in Premier League games in 2025-26, the most in the division.
At home, the picture has been no easier. Newcastle have managed just three clean sheets in 16 Premier League matches at St James’ Park this season, and they have conceded in all seven of their top-flight home games against Bournemouth. That is the most times they have faced a side without keeping a clean sheet at St James’ Park in the Premier League.
Bruno Guimarães remains the main selection question
Howe said Bruno Guimarães has been “pushing really, really hard” to be involved after missing Newcastle’s last 12 games in all competitions. The midfielder has been out since February’s 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur, and Howe said there is “a chance” he could be in the squad if he comes through Friday training.
“There is a chance. We’ve seen him training, ” Howe said. “He’s pushing really, really hard to be back involved. The medical team are trying to hold him back. ” Howe added that he will make a decision based on what he sees in training.
He also described the mood at the training ground as different this week, saying that is positive because the group is focused on responding. He said Newcastle must keep calm, protect confidence levels and stay level after a difficult spell of results.
Bournemouth arrive in strong form
Bournemouth’s record at St James’ Park gives this meeting another layer. They have lost only two of their eight Premier League visits there and have averaged three goals a game in their past three matches in all competitions at the ground. One of those was their FA Cup penalty shootout defeat on 10 January.
In the league, Bournemouth are unbeaten in their past 12 Premier League matches, their longest undefeated run in the competition. Their defence has also tightened in 2026, with just three goals conceded in their last six away games.
They are 11th in the table and still have a chance of bettering their best Premier League finish of ninth. Head coach Andoni Iraola announced this week that he will leave the club in the summer.
What happens next at St James’ Park
Howe has called Bournemouth a very good team on a great run, and Newcastle vs bournemouth now carries clear weight for both clubs: Newcastle need a lift and Bournemouth want to extend their unbeaten streak. The final team news may hinge on Bruno Guimarães, but the wider challenge is already clear — Newcastle must find control, Bournemouth must keep their rhythm, and Newcastle vs bournemouth could swing on which side handles the moment better.
