Newcastle United face Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon aiming to secure back-to-back Premier League wins since the beginning of December when they welcome Bournemouth to Tyneside. However, memories of their bitterly disappointing display at the Vitality Stadium will still loom large as a Dominic Solanke brace condemned Newcastle to a 2-0 defeat on an evening that could have seen the hosts score five or six.
Injury problems plagued them during that match and whilst they have subsided a little, Howe still has a number of key players absent and faces one or two major calls - including who to start up-front if, as anticipated, Callum Wilson is not able to feature after suffering an injury against Nottingham Forest last time out. Here, we take a look at the starting XI that Howe could name when his former side travel to St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon:

9. RW: Miguel Almiron
Almiron has scored just once in the Premier League since September and will be hoping to end that streak at St James' Park. | Getty Images

10. ST: Anthony Gordon
Callum Wilson’s injury issues may mean Howe picks Gordon to lead the line against Bournemouth. It could be a very fluent front three with both men on either side of him capable of playing through the middle or on either flank if required. | Getty Images

11. LW: Harvey Barnes
Barnes has yet to start a game after returning from injury but that may come this weekend against Bournemouth. | NurPhoto via Getty Images



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