Newcastle United take on Bournemouth in the Premier League this afternoon.
Pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks Newcastle United will draw 1-1 at home with Bournemouth this afternoon.
The Magpies have enjoyed a mostly positive start to the season, but they did lose 1-0 away at Burnley on Monday night in a disappointing performance from Rafael Benitez’s men.
Rafael Benitez’s men again struggled going forward, lacking creativity and a killer instinct in attack, as has been the case for large spells of this season.
Newcastle have been strong at home this season, having dropped just two points in their last four games at St. James’ Park, with Bournemouth the latest visitors today.
The Cherries are enduring a difficult start to the season, and lost 1-0 at home to Chelsea last weekend to leave Eddie Howe’s men rooted in the Premier League relegation zone.
With seven defeats in ten games this season, Bournemouth are really struggling right now, but will be looking to pick another away win having beaten Stoke City 2-1 in their last away trip.
Ahead of today’s game, pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks the meeting will end in a 1-1 draw, as he still has concerns over Newcastle’s attacking play, as well as feeling that Bournemouth will look to kickstart some results with a solid display.
Lawrenceon added that Jonjo Shelvey is ideal for Benitez’s style in terms of passing and moving, suggesting that the midfielder will continue to get even better under the Newcastle boss – and feels that Newcastle’s season may only improve when a takeover is completed.
“I was part of BBC Radio 5 live’s commentary team when Newcastle went to Burnley on Monday and I saw them play really nice football, knock the ball around, but without a cutting edge.” said Lawrenson. “Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez’s whole premise is organisation, organisation and more organisation. He also loves passing and moving and you can see that Jonjo Shelvey will only get better under him. I think this season will only get better for Newcastle because if and when the takeover happens then the new owners will say to the manager ‘go and get a few players and then we will go for it next season’.”
“As for Bournemouth, their skipper Simon Francis has described November as “a make-or-break” month with the trip to Newcastle followed by games against Huddersfield, Swansea and Burnley. I think a draw at Newcastle would be a good start. You go anywhere in the Premier League and get a draw – apart from the top six because they’re expected to win every game – then it is something to build on,” he added.
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