Both Eddie Howe and Steve McClaren candidly described the encounter as “very important” and a lot is to be gained on the south coast, maybe even three points for one of two sides who have found them hard to come by. The Bournemouth manager has urged his team to put on a true home performance – defeat for either side would leave them in the relegation zone over the international break. Ben Fisher
Kick-off Saturday 12.45pm
Venue Vitality Stadium
Last season n/a
Live BT Sport 1
Referee Lee Mason
This season G4, Y12, R1, 3.50 cards per game
Odds H 6-5 A 9-4 D 5-2
Bournemouth
Subs from Allsop, Boruc, Gosling, Cook, Pugh, Rantie, Smith, Tomlin, MacDonald, Cargill, Bennett, Kermorgant, O’Kane
Doubtful Boruc (thigh), Cook (ankle)
Injured Elphick (ankle, Dec), Gradel (knee, Apr), Wilson (knee, Apr), Mings (knee, Sep), Atsu (calf, unknown)
Suspended None
Form WLDLLL
Discipline Y17 R0
Leading scorer Wilson 5
Newcastle United
Subs from Pearson, Woodman, Mbabu, Lascelles, Cissé, De Jong, Thauvin, Gouffran, Toney, Marveaux, Bigirimana
Doubtful Elliot (groin)
Injured Darlow (ankle, 21 Nov), Colback (knee, Dec), Taylor (hamstring, Dec), Krul (knee, Aug), Aarons (foot, unknown), Haïdara (groin, unknown), Obertan (hamstring, unknown), Rivière (knee, unknown)
Suspended None
Form LDLWLD
Discipline Y21 R3
Leading scorer Wijnaldum 6
