Bournemouth vs Newcastle United preview: Two struggling sides meet in lunchtime kick-off at Dean Court

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at Dean Court

Bournemouth midfielder Matt Ritchie (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Aleksander Mitrovic: The Serbian striker has only scored twice for Newcastle since his summer move from Anderlecht, and has one of the worst disciplinary records in the Premier League. It’s time that the 21-year-old shows some maturity having picked up three yellow cards and a red in nine appearances. He’ll be looking to exploit a Bournemouth defence that have conceded 13 goals in their last four.

Best stat…

1 in 18: Newcastle have only tasted victory once in their last 18 Premier League away matches, a 3-0 success at Hull City in January this year. In that period, they have been beaten 14 times and scored just nine goals. Visiting fans will be hoping for a better showing from their side in what is a 718-mile round trip for the early kick-off.

Remember when…

The last time these sides met in the league was way back in 1990, where Newcastle triumphed 3-0 at St James Park to secure their first win in five. It was in the old Division Two and allowed the home side to exact revenge for a 2-1 defeat on the south-coast earlier in the season. Bournemouth were relegated by two points that year, while Newcastle were defeated in the play-offs by bitter rivals Sunderland.

Player to watch…

Matt Ritchie: The Scot has been one of Bournemouth’s most impressive performers in their first Premier League season, scoring twice and looking their biggest attacking threat. All of his goals and assists have come at home, so expect the 26-year-old to be a big figure again in this one.

Past three-meetings…

Newcastle United 2 Bournemouth 2
Bournemouth won 4-3 on penalties, FA Cup, January 1992

Bournemouth 0 Newcastle United 0
FA Cup, January 1992

Newcastle United 3 Bournemouth 0
Division Two, February 1990

Form guide…

Bournemouth: LDLLLL

Newcastle: LDLWLD

Vital information…

Kick-off time: 12.45pm, Saturday, 7 November

TV: Live on BT Sport 1, Highlights on BBC1 from 11pm