EPL: Bournemouth v Newcastle preview

Bournemouth v Newcastle preview

Islam Slimani is out of Newcastle United's Premier League trip to AFC Bournemouth on Saturday after suffering a setback in training.

The Leicester striker, who arrived on loan at St James' Park with a thigh problem, is yet to make his Magpies debut and is now facing another two weeks on the sidelines.

Despite the injury blow, Rafael Benitez's side head to the Vitality Stadium on a good run following their superb 1-0 win over Manchester United.

Newcastle, who won their only previous Premier League match at the Vitality Stadium in 2015, have suffered just one defeat in their last seven in the league and will be hoping to extend that run by picking up back-to-back victories in the league for the first time since September.

However, they face a Bournemouth side that have never lost a Premier League home match against a newly-promoted side, winning each of the last six and netting 21 goals in those wins.

Eddie Howe's side in excellent form at home and are looking to win four consecutive home Premier League games for the first time.

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe says he wants the pain of defeat to inspire his players after their disappointing performance at Huddersfield last time out

 

Bournemouth could have England forward Jermain Defoe back in the squad following an ankle injury.

Defoe, who joined the Cherries on a free transfer during the summer, has not played since before Christmas, but returned to training this week.

Defender Tyrone Mings continues his rehabilitation from a back problem, which could see him struggle to regain fitness before the end of the campaign.

Manager Rafael Benitez otherwise has no fresh injury problems with only full-back Jesus Gamez missing with an ankle injury.