It’s been a strong start to the season for Newcastle after a disappointing 2025/26 campaign. They drew Liverpool on matchday one, defeated West Brom in the EFL Cup opening round, and soundly defeated Tottenham on the road. Four points in two matches and a Cup win is a solid start for new manager Matthias Jaissle. In their path this weekend is a robust Bournemouth squad looking to continue its ascent in the EPL; they certainly have the quality to come into St. James’ Park and take all three points.
Newcastle are +125 favorites on the Moneyline for this one on DraftKings Sportsbook, with a draw available at +270. Bournemouth’s Moneyline is set at +190.
Newcastle vs. Bournemouth Prediction, Pick
After the departure of Eddie Howe after a 12th-place 2025/26 campaign, Newcastle needed a retool. 38-year-old Matthias Jaissle takes the reins and the team is getting younger on the whole. They made seven significant purchases in the summer transfer window: three 24-year-olds, three 20-year-olds, and one 18-year-old. Meanwhile, they sold Bruno Guimarães (28 years old), Sandro Tonali (26), and Anthony Gordon (25) in a big summer exodus. 30+-year-old veterans Matt Targett, Kieran Trippier, and John Ruddy left on free transfers. Overall, Newcastle got younger and deeper while netting a tidy profit in the summer window.
And now the squad is ready to roll. Amar Dedic, the young Bosnian right-back, has slotted well into the starting XI. Nico González is taking charge in central midfield after arriving on a transfer from Manchester City. Lukás Hornícek has seemingly locked down the top goalkeeper spot in the squad, pushing the veteran Nick Pope to the side. With a solidifying defense and a deep athletic attacking room, look out for this Newcastle side.
Bournemouth are also transitioning to a new manager. Andoni Iraola took over Bournemouth in 2022, taking the club from 12th to 9th to 6th in the EPL table while securing a Europa League bid this past season. Now Iraola has left for the helm of Liverpool, putting Marco Rose in charge of this rising squad. However, momentum has stalled early on. On matchday one, Bournemouth led Manchester City for nearly 60 minutes, then conceded an equalizer in the 84th minute and a winner in stoppage time. Facing Everton in their second match, they once again took the lead before halftime, then surrendered the lead in stoppage time. Two matches and two blown leads; not how you want to start.
The good news for Bournemouth is that they have time to figure this thing out. Largely the same squad we saw last season, these guys know how to play together and just need to work out the kinks with a new manager. Once they figure it out, they have attacking talent that can match most teams on the right day, and a promising defense that has shown growth so far.
Both attacks look strong here. Bournemouth’s front group, led by Evanilson, has shown they are a handful on any given matchday. Anthony Elanga may be making a star turn for Newcastle, and now that Yoane Wissa is confirmed as the top striker, he can focus on doing what he does best: burying goals. This match comes down to which back line can dig deeper. Those extra blocks and clearances will go a long way.
Ultimately, it’s difficult to see these defenses holding on for long. Marco Rose’s side has questions to answer in the early going, and until they’ve shown they can hold a lead, they’re easy to fade. Let’s roll with Newcastle to win a high-scoring contest.
