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Newcastle v Bournemouth: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:03 BST 17 April
19:03 BST 17 April
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe welcomes his old side Bournemouth on Saturday (15:00 BST), with the two clubs in contrasting form.
Magpies struggle to hold on to a lead
Newcastle have lost seven of their last 10 Premier League matches and any hope that a three-week break might lift them out of their recent slump was quashed by their defeat at Crystal Palace last weekend.
It was their third loss in a row in all competitions – a flat performance and another game in which they threw away a lead.
Newcastle have dropped 25 points from winning positions in this Premier League campaign – five more than any other side. It's a statistic that Howe says "has blighted our season".
They have conceded 30 goals after scoring first in Premier League games in 2025-26, a division-high, and have had just three clean sheets in their 16 Premier League matches at St James' Park this season.
That statistic might not improve this weekend as Newcastle have conceded in all seven of their top-flight home games against Bournemouth, which is the most times they've faced a side without a clean sheet at St James' Park in the Premier League.
Cherries aim to see off Iraola in style
It may be a long way from the south coast to Tyneside but it's a journey Bournemouth seem to enjoy.
They have lost on just two of their eight Premier League visits to St James' Park and have averaged three goals a game in their past three matches in all competitions there.
One of those was their FA Cup penalty shootout defeat on 10 January. That was a tough pill to swallow, but since then, the Cherries haven't lost – in fact they are unbeaten in their past 12 Premier League matches, their longest undefeated run in the competition.
Bournemouth conceded three goals at Newcastle in January but their defence, which was decimated in last summer's transfer window, has been pretty tight so far in 2026, conceding just three goals in their last six away games.
It has all helped to contribute to their long unbeaten streak - coincidentally, the last side other than Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City to have a longer such run without losing were Newcastle, who went 17 unbeaten in 2022-23.
The Cherries are currently 11th, but with things tightly packed in the Premier League mid-table, they have every chance of exceeding their previous best finish of ninth. That would be a fitting tribute to head coach Andoni Iraola, who announced this week that he will leave the club in the summer.
Sutton's predictions: Newcastle v Bournemouthpublished at 18:28 BST 17 April
18:28 BST 17 April
Newcastle are in a slump and their manager Eddie Howe looks tired.
He could definitely do with a win, which is why losing late on against Sunderland and then Crystal Palace has been so damaging. They have now dropped 25 points from winning positions this season, five more than any other Premier League club.
This is the ninth time Howe has faced Bournemouth as Newcastle boss in the Premier League, but he is yet to beat his old club. Saturday would be a very good time for him to change that.
Bournemouth already know they will have a new manager next season, with Andoni Iraola set to leave at the end of this campaign. That news is a hammer blow for them.
The Cherries have been playing well and got a great win against Arsenal last weekend, but I am still going with Newcastle to beat them despite their recent poor results.
That's right, I am backing Eddie - the law of averages means he has to get a result against Bournemouth some day.
Barnes surprises young Magpiepublished at 18:04 BST 17 April
18:04 BST 17 April
Media caption,
Carter from South Shields was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer in 2024.
Whilst in hospital, he won a competition to design a 'dream bestie' - a microwaveable soft toy which can help with the pain of treatment. Carter's design called 'Harvey the Harp seal' will now be transformed into a toy, with proceeds helping to support the work of Cancer Support UK.
He's a massive Newcastle United fan and Carter told us 'Harvey' was inspired by his hero.....Harvey Barnes.
The winger surprised Carter while on a visit to St James' Park.
'My fire is there' - Howe comes out fightingpublished at 16:56 BST 17 April
16:56 BST 17 April
Ciaran Kelly Newcastle United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
This was the day when Eddie Howe channelled his inner Mikel Arteta.
"My fire is there," the Newcastle United head coach said as he echoed words from his Arsenal counterpart.
"There's loads of wood stacked up."
Having appeared a little flat at his news conference a week previously – even before a subsequent defeat against Crystal Palace - a defiant Howe came out fighting on Friday.
The head coach certainly has to rouse his side into life before the visit of Bournemouth on Saturday.
There have been some strong words on the training ground this week and Howe is again expected to make changes as he looks to finally defeat his former club in the Premier League for the first time.
Captain Bruno Guimaraes is among those desperate to be involved after recovering from illness and injury.
Understandably so.
Newcastle are languishing in the bottom half of the table and have lost seven of their last ten top-flight fixtures.
Such a run has led to Howe's future coming under increased scrutiny.
"I just want serve the club and do what's right for the football club," he added. "That's always been my aim.
"If that's me leaving to help the club, then of course that's something I'll do, I've got no issue doing that. It's not about me.
"But if I believe I'm the right person to take the club forward, which I do currently right now, then I'll do that and I'll fight to the end. I'll fight harder than I've ever fought before."
Howe on positivity, Guimaraes and Bournemouthpublished at 10:23 BST 17 April
10:23 BST 17 April
Marissa Thomas BBC Sport journalist
Media caption,
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Bournemouth at St James' Park (kick-off 15:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Howe said positivity is needed with a win: "We need that feeling back, it has been too long. We're desperate to win and play well. Disappointing result against Crystal Palace so things were a bit negative but we are trying to propel ourselves towards a good result."
The Newcastle boss said on captain Bruno Guimaraes: "There is a chance he could be involved. We have seen him in training. The medical team are cautious because the player wants desperately to play. I've loved that about Bruno, he is desperate to help the team. I will make a decision based on what I see in training today and there is a possibility."
On Yoane Wissa's struggles: "He has had a very difficult season and the most difficult part was that he got fit again and then we haven't been able to train him in the way that we wanted to." Howe added that "a pre-season would definitely help him" and "the best is yet to come".
On potentially finishing in a European place: "It's still possible. Strange year in terms of the Premier League table. We need those runs of wins which we haven't done for the first season since I have been here."
Howe said his fire is "burning very, very strongly" but there is "no guarantee" from his side about what will happen in the future because forces in "football clubs move quickly".
In relation to Anthony Gordon transfer links, Howe said: "I'm not going to play any player if I don't feel they are 100% committed to the club and their future. That is generally across the board. I always do what I think is best for the team."
On Bournemouth: "In the league we haven't beaten them [in his time at Newcastle]. They are a very good team, they have been on a good run recently in the Premier League and they have their clear strengths. We know what we need to do to win the game and certain parts of our game are going to have to function very well. Every game in the Premier League is difficult."
He stressed that "home form has always been the bedrock of our success" and "it is our number one priority". Howe added: "We need to make this a fortress again."
On what he wants to see from his side: "A team that is prepared to run, attack, playing with a high motivation level, freedom. I want to be entertained watching the team play, I don't want to look at the team and think I don't recognise them and there have been moments this season where I have felt that. I've been disappointed not in terms of the effort but in terms of what we have delivered. A big emphasis on entertainment and attacking. We have lost grip of it slightly and the proof is in terms of what you see."
Hear Howe speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle on BBC Sounds here or by clicking play above
'I don't see Gordon as a £100m player'published at 09:44 BST 16 April
09:44 BST 16 April
Former Newcastle defender John Anderson believes Anthony Gordon is not worth £100m but says "it's about what you can get for him" if the winger does decide he wants to leave the club.
Anderson told BBC Radio Newcastle: "I don't see how Bayern Munich would be able to afford Anthony Gordon. He's worth more than £50-55m that's for sure.
"The one thing you don't want is another Alexander Isak situation where if a player wants to go and it drags on and on, that's not beneficial for anybody because we saw what happened in that window.
"Everything was up in the air then all of a sudden you're chasing around looking for players, everything was last-ditch.
"There has been an awful lot of speculation about Gordon. I don't see him as a £100m player but it's [about] what you can get for him."
Magpies want more from Woltemadepublished at 08:56 BST 16 April
08:56 BST 16 April
Ciaran Kelly Newcastle United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
William Osula's recall against Crystal Palace was the latest twist in Newcastle's search for a lasting solution up front - seven months after Alexander Isak's painful exit.
The club were going to struggle to find a like-for-like replacement for Isak after he pushed to join Liverpool for a British record £125m.
It was viewed as an "impossible" task internally.
But Howe sought to bring in two strikers to share the load after Callum Wilson also moved on.
There was recognition that Nick Woltemade previously had eyes for Bayern Munich and that Newcastle had targeted other centre-forwards after failing with moves for Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko.
Yet it felt like this £69m deal happened for a reason after Woltemade scored five goals in his first six starts for Newcastle.
Woltemade still boasts one of the best shot conversion rates (23%) of those players with at least 30 efforts in the Premier League this season.
However, in the absence of injured captain Bruno Guimaraes, the technical Woltemade has curiously been used more often in the middle of the park of late.
It had been a frustration of the coaching staff that they did not have more time to bring out aspects of Woltemade's game in the final third.
They certainly will in the coming weeks as a relentless schedule eases.
But Howe's creaking system has historically relied on a rapid striker who can get in behind - and also lead the press.
As much as Woltemade has had to adapt to a new style and a more intense, physical league following his move from Stuttgart, Newcastle must play to his strengths too.
Meanwhile Chelsea and Newcastle are among the clubs set to battle it out for German defender Karim Coulibaly, 18, after an impressive breakthrough season with Werder Bremen. (Bild - in German, external)
Newcastle are prepared to bid again for centre-back Ousmane Diomande in the summer. The Magpies showed interest in the 22-year-old Ivory Coast international in January, but Sporting won't accept a fee less than £40m. (Football Insider, external)
Newcastle 'will consider offers for Gordon'published at 17:33 BST 15 April
17:33 BST 15 April
Sami Mokbel Senior football correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
It's a big summer for Anthony Gordon. For the time being, the Newcastle attacker's focus will be fixed on trying to help his club out of their meandering form.
But there is also a looming World Cup, in which the winger hopes to play a major part for England.
Meanwhile, Gordon's future is set to be one of the most prevalent narratives of the summer transfer window.
It is understood that Gordon is one of a number players Newcastle will listen to offers for at the end of the season.
As outlined by BBC Sport last week, the club will need to sell at least one of their crown jewels in order to give head coach Eddie Howe funds to strengthen his squad if they miss out on European football.
Gordon is one of five players - along with Tino Livramento, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Lewis Hall - who would probably command the highest transfer fee.
Sensing an opportunity, it is understood Bayern Munich have accelerated their interest in the winger in recent weeks.
Well-placed sources indicate the player is aware that the Bundesliga champions admire his abilities. And as things stand, he is understood to be open to considering a move to Germany.
Bayern are an attractive proposition. They pay well and offer a near-cast iron guarantee of competing for major trophies every season. And they would provide the chance for Gordon to team up at club level with England captain Harry Kane.
But as Luis Diaz appears to have the left-wing role locked in at Bayern, it would be interesting to see how regularly Gordon would play at the Allianz Arena.
And while sources are indicating that a move to Germany has a good chance of happening in the coming months, there are obvious obstacles that need to be cleared – namely the transfer fee.
Newcastle are in a relatively strong position to command a minimum of £70m for Gordon this summer. They signed him from Everton for £45m three years ago, although the following season he was offered to Liverpool by Newcastle.
He still has four years on his contract, so Newcastle have leverage - though finances are tight at St James' Park because of profit and sustainability rules, and Bayern will know that.
All that said, Bayern are unlikely to be the only club at the table for Gordon.
Arsenal have a long-term interest and considered making an offer in the summer of 2024. It is understood the Gunners' interest still stands, and that they are in the market for a left-winger again this summer.
The level of Arsenal's interest in Gordon will depend on the price, with the Premier League leaders set to take a more balanced approach to the summer window while they have other targets too.
'A fresh pair of eyes might see things a little differently'published at 13:48 BST 15 April
13:48 BST 15 April
Media caption,
Former Newcastle defender John Anderson believes additions to the club's coaching staff, as well as the playing squad, could help the Magpies kick on next season.
Anderson told BBC Radio Newcastle: "Players become stale doing the same things week in, week out.
"Sir Alex Ferguson was very set in his ways and old-school, but he knew the game was moving forward, so every couple of years he would bring someone in with fresh ideas to keep players evolving.
"I think he [manager Eddie Howe] needs to bring somebody in with newer ideas and that's nothing against his training regime - just players like something different.
"You look at Eddie Howe's backroom staff and they've all been with him for an awful lot of years. They were all with him at Bournemouth.
"I just think sometimes you need a fresh pair of eyes as well. They all see things in a similar fashion. A fresh pair of eyes might see things a little differently.
"Freshening up not just the playing side of it, but the coaching side of it as well, may well help."
Click above to hear the discussion with Anderson and the Guardian's Louise Taylor, or listen on BBC Sounds
Man City v Arsenal: Who do you want to win?published at 07:18 BST 15 April
07:18 BST 15 April
Image source, Getty Images
Two Premier League heavyweights are set to face each other this weekend at Etihad Stadium, as Manchester City host Arsenal.
Both teams go into the fixture with different targets. For Mikel Arteta's side, it is about extending their lead at the top of the table. For Pep Guardiola's side, it is about closing the gap and keeping themselves in the title race.
It is a fixture being labelled a title decider by some, so we want to know who you want to win this Sunday's match.
Will you be cheering on the Citizens or getting behind the Gunners?
Newcastle hold off 'serious competition' to sign Martinezpublished at 15:20 BST 14 April
15:20 BST 14 April
Ciaran Kelly Newcastle United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Newcastle United have held off "serious competition from leading clubs across Europe" to sign 16-year-old winger Johan Martinez.
The Ecuadorian will officially join the club from Independiente del Valle in the summer of 2027 following his 18th birthday.
Martinez, who is currently preparing to face Argentina in the semi-finals of the South American under-17 championships, will remain in his homeland until then.
The move marks a shift in global strategy for Newcastle as the club's recruitment network continues to widen after the appointment of sporting director Ross Wilson last summer.
"We're delighted to beat off serious competition from leading clubs across Europe to bring Johan to Newcastle United," he said.
"Identifying and recruiting promising young players is a key part of how we build for the future, and our scouting and recruitment teams have worked diligently to secure Johan's signature.
"Independiente del Valle have a strong reputation for developing young players and Johan has undoubtedly benefited from that environment.
"He will continue his progress there while we maintain a close connection with his development, and we look forward to welcoming him to Newcastle next year."
'I can't work out the motivation behind so many of our issues'published at 12:12 BST 14 April
12:12 BST 14 April
Charlotte Robson Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Full disclosure: below I do not waste words litigating the future of Eddie Howe at Newcastle. Not specifically. Not today.
I want to talk about mentality. The dictionary says mentality refers to a person's or group's particular attitude, mindset, or way of thinking. I've had it rattling around in my head since the weekend and the loss away at Crystal Palace.
I'm a curious person. Some might say deeply nosy, but I'm going with curious. I want to know what's going on in people's heads. I want to know why Anthony Gordon starts runs and then seems to think better of it and slows down. Is it as simple as wanting to be fit for the World Cup?
I want to know why Newcastle United as a group have dropped 25 points from leading positions this season. I want to know why, after three weeks away from the Premier League and a reasonable amount of time on the training ground (albeit not with all players the entire time) we were unable, as fans, to point to anything at Selhurst Park and say: "They've been working on that. That has improved."
I want to know why Joelinton even gets picked if the yellow cards reset after Crystal Palace and Jacob Ramsey is fit. I want to know why substitutions are made after we concede, after the opposition grows into the game, after they make their own changes.
The weekend frustrated me as a Newcastle fan, because I can't work out the motivation behind so many of our issues. I can't work out if the players are playing for themselves, or the team, or the manager. I think that's a problem. I think it's a problem that we gift teams points. I think it's a problem that European football next season seems out of reach.
I don't know what the answers to all our problems are, but we need to find them this summer.
Howe 'deserves another go' - Andersonpublished at 11:52 BST 14 April
11:52 BST 14 April
Image source, Getty Images
Former Newcastle defender John Anderson believes no other manager could have done a better job than Eddie Howe since he joined the club and "deserves another go" beyond the end of this season, despite the club being 14th in the Premier League with six games to go.
It is unlikely that Newcastle will return to Champions League action next season and qualifying for any European competition will be a challenge.
Anderson, speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, said: "There's six games of the season left. We said before the Crystal Palace game that they were a big seven games for the manager. And these are a big six games.
"Nothing will be done between now and the end of the season. They'll sit down, they'll review the whole season, the way things have gone and then make a decision on what they're going to do.
"I've said many a time on here in the four and a bit years that Eddie Howe has been here, I don't care who the manager would have been, all these named managers and great managers, do I think any of them could have come in and done a better job than what Eddie Howe has done in the time he's been here? No, I don't think so.
"But managers are judged on recent results, not on what they've done in the past."
He added: "I've seen a lot of stuff and spoken to people who think Eddie Howe has done as well as he can do and taken us as far as he can go. We've heard it so many times about different managers.
"I think he deserves another go at it, I really do. But that's my opinion and people are entitled to their opinion. But I think this summer is absolutely massive because I think a refresh is needed. I think it has all gone a little bit stale."
Is there a sell-on clause for Anderson?published at 10:21 BST 14 April
10:21 BST 14 April
Ciaran Kelly Newcastle United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Some of you have been using our Newcastle Ask Me Anything form to query if there's a sell-on clause for Elliot Anderson.
As far as I'm aware Newcastle would not stand to benefit financially if Anderson left Nottingham Forest.
The club do not have a buy-back option, either.
Ordinarily these clauses would be negotiated during the sale of promising young players, as sides like Manchester City and Chelsea have over the years.
But Newcastle had no bargaining position whatsoever when they sold Anderson to Nottingham Forest in 2024.
The club were desperately attempting to raise funds to avoid a breach of profit and sustainability rules (PSR) and a likely points deduction.
Anderson's subsequent journey to becoming an England starter has been bittersweet for Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe.
Although Anderson has felt the clear benefit of increased game time at Nottingham Forest, Newcastle's backroom staff always believed he was destined for the very top and hoped he could realise his vast potential while playing for his boyhood club.
The midfielder still has huge admirers at all levels at St James' Park, including sporting director Ross Wilson, who helped bring him to Nottingham Forest during his time at the City Ground.
But Anderson appears destined to move elsewhere rather than return to Tyneside.
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Gossip: Howe still involved in transfer plans despite uncertain futurepublished at 08:02 BST 14 April
08:02 BST 14 April
Newcastle's hierarchy are continuing to include boss Eddie Howe in discussions on transfer plans for the summer despite uncertainty over his future at St James' Park for the first time. (The I), external
Arsenal and Chelsea are leading the chase to sign Newcastle's Lewis Hall, 21, but the Magpies will not let the left-back leave easily. (Caught Offside)
