Bournemouth 0-0 Newcastle LIVE: Alexander Isak replaces Callum Wilson as Eddie Howe returns to his old club for the first time with his Magpies trying to strengthen their grip on a top four spot against second-bottom Cherries
Follow Sportsmail’s live blog for the Premier League clash between Bournemouth and Newcastle.
Host commentator
We’re underway at the Vitality Stadium!
Newcastle kick off first as they look to go third in the league.
We’re closing on kick off now on the South coast.
A win for the Magpies could put them ahead of Manchester United in the table.
Eddie Howe speaking to Sky Sports: ‘Wilson has a very minor hamstring complaint. He should be back for the next game
‘Isak has been training really well, he’s been electric. He’s consistently improved since his injury. We’re delighted to have a player of his calibre.
‘We know it’s going to be a tough game here, it’s important we start well.’
The Magpies will face a tough test this afternoon against one of the best defensive sides in the league.
A win today could move them out of the relegation zone.
The Magpies’ record signing has not been a regular this season after struggling with injuries.
Isak has scored three goals in five league appearances when he has got on the pitch.
He starts today after Callum Wilson picked up an injury in the week and has not travelled with the squad.
Despite an excellent defensive record that has seen them lose just one game all season, Newcastle have struggled to find the net recently and scored just two goals since Boxing Day in a run that has reduced them to seven points in five games.
They remain fourth in the league but will be keen to get back to winning ways against Bournemouth today.
It will be a big game for manager Eddie Howe, who returns to the club where he made his name as a Premier League boss.
The Cherries currently sit second bottom of the league after a tough run of results. They are winless since November and look favourites to return to the Championship at the end of the season.
The tight nature of the table means a win today could lift them as high as 16th, but Newcastle’s excellent defence will provide a tough test.
HOWAY NEWCASTLE! ✊#BOUNEW pic.twitter.com/ILknbuAxdS
📝 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 📝
🔺 Solanke starts
🔺 Stephens back in
🔺 Tavernier on the bench
Our line up for #BOUNEW 💪💪 pic.twitter.com/bC1qWb1o33
And welcome to our coverage of the Premier League.
We’ll have all the news and updates from the Vitality Stadium as Bournemouth take on Newcastle.
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