The Vitality Stadium is where Steve McClaren and his Newcastle side will clash with fellow strugglers Bournemouth on Saturday, in what will be a pivotal game for both sides.
The Magpies sit in 18th place on 7 points, whereas Eddie Howe’s recently promoted squad hang one place above them on 8 points.
A number of Toon Army followers will make the long, grueling trip to Bournemouth, in the hope that they’ll witness a long-awaited second win of the season.
Ahead of the nerve-wrecking lunchtime match, we caught up with Read Bournemouth editor Jonny Gilder to get the lowdown on the Cherries.
Would you take any Newcastle players at Bournemouth? If so, who and why?
Yes definitely! Newcastle have a number of talented players, some who perhaps haven’t quite shown it yet this season. Wijnaldum and Mitrovic are players who have begun to show the potential they have and I would happily see them at Bournemouth. A more realistic player who I would take would be Papiss Cisse, as the Cherries are lacking firepower up front and I think Cisse could get back on track with Bournemouth.
Are there any rising stars at Bournemouth that we should be keeping an eye on?
Unfortunately, as Bournemouth are now in a relegation scrap, we haven’t been able to showcase many up and coming talents. One player, who is currently on loan at Ipswich Town, is Ryan Fraser. The young winger started the season well in the Championship but was ruled out for 2 months in October. I’m sure he’ll be a big part of Bournemouth’s future.
Who is your most important player?
It’s difficult to say, as so many of our key players have been ruled out for the season through injury. Callum Wilson, Max Gradel or Tommy Elphick could all take this crown. However, now it is probably Matt Ritchie who has played pretty decently this season.
What do you reckon will be the key battle on Saturday?
Glenn Murray vs Fabricio Coloccini. Murray has a knack for scoring goals and Collocini seems to have a knack for awful defending. I think we could be in for a big battle.
Predicted line-up
In a 4-4-1-1:
Federici; Smith, Cook, Distin, Daniels; Surman, Arter, Ritchie, Stanislas; King, Murray.
Score prediction
I think it’ll be a tricky game for both sides and they both equally need the three points, and for that reason, I will go with a nervy 1-0 with Bournemouth grabbing a winner late on.
