This weekend's Newcastle vs. Bournemouth matchup at St. James' Park promises to be two crucial Premier League matches (Watch live at 10 am ET Saturday on USA Network and online via NBCSports.com).
The Magpies and Cherries enter the game with seven points, but Newcastle has only dropped a point once in its last six games—a contentious loss to Liverpool—and has tied four times.
Following the dismissal of Scott Parker and a 9-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool, Bournemouth has improved. The points the Cherries have accumulated against non-Big Six teams are a recipe for safety success. They have drawn at home against Wolves and defeated Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Going back to the litmus tests from earlier.
Newcastle considers itself a team on the rise and has only lost once. Beating Bournemouth at home would demonstrate that rise can occur much more quickly than anticipated in the wake of the Middle Eastern takeover of large sums of money.
Despite being destroyed by the top teams, Bournemouth managed to pick up seven points from teams in the lower half. Is Gary O'Neil the best candidate for the position? Was Scott Parker used as a scapegoat following those lopsided defeats to super teams? Perhaps both?
Players to watch in the form in Newcastle: Well, doesn't that depend on who is healthy? Bruno Guimares and Allan Saint-Maximin have been Newcastle's top two players thus far in the season, but both are uncertain for Saturday. All eyes will be on them and record signing Alexander Isak if they depart. But in the back, Sven Botman and Fabian Schar have made a strong relationship, and Kieran Trippier is the heart and soul of the team. Also outstanding between the sticks has been Nick Pope.
In the victory over Forest, Jaidon Anthony and Dominic Solanke both scored goals, but steel has also been a significant factor in Bournemouth's success. Keep an eye on Jefferson Lerma and Phillip Billing, as they outperform the forwards above and behind them.
Newcastle's roster options, injuries, and team news
Though Jonjo Shelvey (thigh), Karl Darlow (ankle), and Emil Krafth (knee) are still sidelined due to injury, Newcastle's injury problems are starting to improve. Allan Saint-Maximin (thigh) and Bruno Guimares (thigh) are on the verge of making a comeback, but Bournemouth supporters will be hoping they need a little more time. Although Callum Wilson is less inclined to go back, he might play against his old team.
Without the talents above, Kieran Trippier and Joe Willock have led Newcastle, and new forward Alexander Isak has impressed since joining Real Sociedad.
For Bournemouth, who will be without Benjamin Pearson, David Brooks, and Joseph Rothwell, Junior Stanislas might come back.
In recent games, the Cherries' middle has been strong. In the back, Chris Mepham and Lloyd Kelly have maintained control, while Jefferson Lerma and Philip Billing remain stalwarts for Bournemouth.
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