AFC Bournemouth welcome Newcastle United to the Vitality Stadium on Sunday, September 21, 2025, in a Premier League Round 5 clash that carries plenty of intrigue. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 local time, with both sides eager to shape the direction of their campaigns.
Match Preview
Bournemouth have started the season brightly, collecting nine points from their first four matches to sit inside the top five. Andoni Iraola’s team have impressed with a mix of defensive resilience and quick attacking play, marking them as early contenders for European qualification. Victory here would strengthen their top-four ambitions and underline their reputation as one of the league’s surprise packages.
Newcastle, meanwhile, arrive under pressure after a challenging week. They sit 13th with five points and are looking to bounce back following a narrow 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League. Eddie Howe’s side have been inconsistent, struggling in front of goal with just three league strikes so far, but a win could propel them into the top half of the table.
Team News
Bournemouth are expected to name a strong lineup, with Petrovic in goal behind a back four of James Hill, Milos Milosavljevic, Marcos Senesi, and Adrien Truffert. Tyler Adams and Alex Scott will anchor midfield, while Marcus Tavernier and David Brooks provide support to Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson.
For Newcastle, Nick Pope is set to return in goal. The back four should feature Tino Livramento, Malick Thiaw, Dan Burn, and Lewis Hall. In midfield, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton will control proceedings, while Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes flank striker Nick Woltemade. Injuries to Sven Botman and Joe Willock limit Howe’s options, though Callum Wilson or Alexander Isak could feature to boost their attacking threat.
Form Guide
Bournemouth’s momentum has been impressive, with wins against Brighton, Tottenham, and Wolves highlighting their efficiency. Newcastle, on the other hand, have only one league win, though their European showing against Barcelona proved they can compete at a high level.
Prediction
This promises to be a tightly contested encounter. Bournemouth will look to dominate through their pressing game and the form of Semenyo, while Newcastle’s hopes rest on Guimaraes dictating play and their forwards taking chances. The Cherries’ strong home record gives them a slight edge, but Newcastle’s quality makes a draw a realistic outcome.
