Newcastle United predicted XI vs Bournemouth as Matthias Jaissle looks to end unwanted run

Newcastle United have an uncomfortable piece of history to confront when Bournemouth arrive at St James’ Park this weekend.

For all Newcastle’s progress and ambition, Bournemouth have developed an irritating habit of making life difficult for the Magpies. Newcastle have failed to win any of the last seven Premier League meetings between the clubs, while their previous two home league encounters with Bournemouth ended in damaging 2-1 and 4-1 defeats.

That record gives Matthias Jaissle another early challenge. Newcastle produced an encouraging 2-0 victory over Tottenham last time out, securing their first clean sheet of the season and offering signs that a new look side is beginning to settle.

Continuity should therefore be important. Injuries and fitness concerns complicate certain positions, but Jaissle has little reason to dismantle a team that performed so convincingly against Spurs.

Here is how Newcastle could line up against Bournemouth.

Hornicek backed by settled Newcastle defence

Lukas Hornicek should continue in goal. The goalkeeper has impressed during the opening weeks of the season and there is currently little reason for Jaissle to contemplate a change.

Amar Dedic is becoming equally difficult to dislodge. The right back has made an outstanding start following his move from Benfica, recording three assists in his first three appearances. Tino Livramento is working his way back towards full fitness, but Dedic’s performances mean Newcastle can afford to be patient.

Malick Thiaw should captain the side again with Dan Burn and Joelinton unavailable. His partnership with Sven Botman delivered a clean sheet against Tottenham and deserves another opportunity against Bournemouth.

Botman himself has responded impressively after an uncertain pre season. Fabian Schar remains an experienced alternative, although breaking up the Thiaw and Botman partnership following the Spurs performance would appear unnecessary.

Lewis Hall completes the defence. The 21 year old has conceded a couple of penalties this season, but those moments should not obscure some otherwise encouraging displays. Newcastle also have limited alternatives at left back.

Miley and Gonzalez can control Bournemouth battle

Lewis Miley’s development continues to provide Newcastle with considerable encouragement.

His partnership with Nico Gonzalez was particularly effective against Tottenham, giving Jaissle a balanced double pivot capable of protecting the defence and moving possession quickly through midfield.

Miley has looked increasingly comfortable with greater responsibility. His intelligence in possession has long been apparent, but regular starts could allow him to demonstrate the full range of his potential.

Gonzalez, meanwhile, represents an important figure in Newcastle’s evolving project. His performance against Spurs provided an excellent platform and another week working within Jaissle’s tactical system should help him further.

Joe Willock is the sensible selection ahead of them.

There may be understandable excitement surrounding Matias Fernandez-Pardo, but the Belgian has not played competitively since May 18 after missing Lille’s pre season programme. Throwing him immediately into the starting XI would represent an unnecessary gamble when Willock has started the campaign solidly.

Elanga fitness could force Newcastle change

Anthony Elanga provides the main selection uncertainty.

The winger left the field against Tottenham amid suggestions of a hamstring problem. Unless Newcastle confirm an injury, however, Elanga should be considered available and remains the likeliest starter on the right.

Jacob Murphy offers Jaissle an experienced alternative should Elanga fail a late fitness assessment.

On the opposite flank, Harvey Barnes should retain his place ahead of Bazoumana Toure. Barnes has not dominated Newcastle’s opening matches, but his ability to score from wide positions remains hugely valuable.

His movement into dangerous areas can be particularly useful against a Bournemouth side Newcastle have struggled to overcome in recent seasons.

Wissa leads Newcastle attack against Bournemouth

Wissa should be the easiest attacking selection for Jaissle.

The striker’s early performances have already demonstrated why Newcastle were so keen to have him leading their attack. He collected the man of the match award against Liverpool before opening his goalscoring account against Tottenham.

That combination of movement, aggression and finishing gives Bournemouth’s defenders an obvious problem.

Newcastle need a centre forward capable of occupying defenders while creating space for Barnes, Elanga and Willock. Wissa appears increasingly comfortable performing that role.

Jaissle therefore has good reason to keep changes to a minimum. Hornicek should start behind Dedic, Thiaw, Botman and Hall, with Miley and Gonzalez forming the midfield base. Willock can operate further forward, while Elanga and Barnes support Wissa.

Bournemouth’s recent dominance of this fixture ensures nobody at St James’ Park should treat the assignment lightly. Seven Premier League meetings without a Newcastle victory represents more than an inconvenient statistic.

A win would remove an increasingly troublesome obstacle while strengthening the sense that Jaissle’s Newcastle are beginning to establish their own identity.

Predicted Newcastle XI: Hornicek, Dedic, Thiaw, Botman, Hall, Miley, Gonzalez, Willock, Elanga, Wissa, Barnes.