A few weeks ago, there was talk of a Newcastle United push into the top four while Bournemouth were suffering a nine-goal annihilation.
Now the two sides meet on Saturday having endured varying changes of fortune.
Eddie Howe's side got off to a really encouraging start to the season with an exciting 3-3 home draw against champions Manchester City the highlight as they went toe to toe with Pep Guardiola's men.
But as Howe prepares to meet his former club, reality has set in for the Geordies after an injury time loss at Liverpool and a disappointing goalless home draw with Crystal Palace.
Bournemouth were humiliated when they crashed to a now-infamous 9-0 loss at Liverpool which saw the end for Scott Parker.
But to their credit, under interim boss Gary O’Neil, the Cherries have bounced back well with a goalless draw at home to Wolves.
Best of all, they fought back from being two goals down at big-spending Nottingham Forest to secure a fantastic 3-2 victory at the City Ground.
And they will full of confidence for a trip to St James' Park that perhaps doesn't look quite as daunting as it did a few weeks ago.
How the bookies view it
Newcastle United are clear odds-on favourites here at 4/9 with Boylesports.
Bournemouth can be backed at 7/1 with UniBet, while the draw is 17/5 with 888Sport.
Recent head to heads
The clubs were last in the same league two seasons ago and Newcastle won 4-1 and 2-1 in both of the games.
In fact, Newcastle are unbeaten in the past five games between the sides.
Players to watch
Ryan Fraser won a Scotland recall this week and manager Steve Clarke commented on his excellent recent form. The former Aberdeen winger is yet to get off the mark for the Toon Army this season though and is 7/2 to change that on Saturday with UniBet.
Dominic Solanke would have taken a large injection of confidence after opening his account for the campaign in that comeback win at Forest. The ex-Liverpool striker is 7/2 with Paddy Power to add to his tally.
Anything else catch the eye?
Newcastle should have too much class for Eddie Howe's former club, but you wouldn't want to be throwing the mortgage at them at such skinny prices.
Given both sides had goalless draws two games ago, it's hard to see this being a goalfest either. The hosts may just edge this and the call is for a Newcastle win by one goal at 13/5 with UniBet.
Only two of Newcastle's six league games have seen over 2.5 goals and the evens with Ladbrokes for unders looks to have a chance here.
This English Premier League match between Newcastle United and Bournemouth will be played on Sep 17, 2022 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Newcastle United vs Bournemouth prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
