The run of home games to kick off 2026 continues, as Newcastle turn their attentions to the FA Cup and a third round clash with Bournemouth.

After a 3-1 win at Burnley to end 2025, followed by back-to-back victories at St James’ Park over Crystal Palace (2-0) and Leeds (4-3), this is a chance to make it four on the spin and keep the momentum building after a superb start to a hectic January.

As for Bournemouth, Eddie Howe’s former club have only won ONE of their last 12 games, but that was on Wednesday night as they beat Spurs 3-2 at the Vitality.

Speaking ahead of this Saturday’s 3pm kick-off, Howe said:

“We haven’t quite matched the success we’ve had in the Carabao Cup; the FA Cup is a great competition; the early rounds are the most difficult because you are surrounded by other games.

“We really need to make sure we focus on this one, we want to progress, we want to do well.”

Team news

(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Livramento – Willock, Bruno, Ramsey – Murphy, Wissa, Barnes. 

OUT: Schar, Hall, Miley, Tonali, Joelinton, Gordon, Woltemade

IN: Botman, Livramento, Trippier, Willock, Ramsey, Murphy, Wissa. 

I expect Howe to do three things tomorrow. Rest a few key players who’ve played a lot of football lately and bring in some squad men in need of minutes, but still name a strong side that’s more than capable of beating Bournemouth.

It would also be nice to see some Under-21 talent feature, although I imagine we may only see the likes of Sean Neave, Leo Shahar or Sam Alabi from the bench, with Alex Murphy a potential starter if Trippier, Tino and Botman can’t all play.

Discussing our fitness levels and potential rotation ahead of the game, Howe said:

“I have to give compliments to the players fitness wise, especially considering the style that we try to implement and how the players adapt to that with the schedule we have – it is incredibly difficult.

“If you looked at us the other day, I thought we were physically the stronger team in the latter stages which is a credit to their professionalism and the work the sports science team and medical team do with the players. I was really pleased with that aspect.

“I think it would be wise for us to use the squad in certain games. We will review this game individually and try and make the right selections.”

Although not in my predicted 11, Miley could slot back into midfield if Howe opts to rest Bruno, but I think Tonali will be given a rest after the birth of his child on Thursday (congrats, Sandro!).

I also believe the likes of Hall and Joelinton will be managed after playing a lot of football so soon after injury issues. They’ve been key players lately, so keeping them fresh for Man City on Tuesday is important.

Match prediction

It’s never easy to predict a match when you don’t know just how much either boss will rotate in the midst of such a hectic schedule, so I’m sitting on the fence slightly here!

I expect Bournemouth to give this a good go – they are 15th in the league but won’t go down, so it would be strange not to attack their only shot at silverware – while Newcastle want to keep the momentum building and make the next round, all while managing minutes with Tuesday’s semi-final against Man City just around the corner.

I’m expecting another game of goals, Wissa to find the net and Newcastle to progress…just!

Prediction: Newcastle 2-2 Bournemouth (Newcastle to win AET!)

Howay the lads!