The GW3 lunchtime kick-off (11:30 BST, Saturday 5 September 2026) sees Newcastle United host AFC Bournemouth at St James' Park. Newcastle lost 1–2 to Tottenham in GW2; Bournemouth drew 1–1 at Everton after opening at Manchester City.
Newcastle United: how they've looked
Eddie Howe's Newcastle need home points after the Spurs defeat. Yoane Wissa and Harvey Barnes lead the line with Pope, Botman and Schär anchoring defence. The early kick-off suits template armband decisions before the 14:00 cluster.
Newcastle United Predicted Starting XI & Lineup · 4-3-3
Official lineups confirmed 1 hour before kick-off.
AFC Bournemouth: how they've looked
Marco Rose's Bournemouth travel with Evanilson and Justin Kluivert as the primary threats. Petrovic in goal and Truffert at left-back add defensive stability; away at St James' is a step up from the GW2 Everton draw.
The tactical picture
Newcastle's wide runners — Murphy and Elanga — test Bournemouth's full-backs; Iraola's press can disrupt Newcastle's build-up if they start slowly at 11:30.
Head-to-head history
Bournemouth have taken points at St James' in two of the last four visits; Newcastle's home form under Howe remains strong overall.
Picks worth knowing
- Yoane Wissa (Newcastle, FWD): focal striker at home after GW2 goal involvement.
- Harvey Barnes (Newcastle, FWD): pace and shots from the left.
- Evanilson (Bournemouth, FWD): penalty taker and primary away threat.
- Nick Pope (Newcastle, GK): save potential if Bournemouth press high.
- Predictor: Newcastle 2–1 AFC Bournemouth.
Final call
Newcastle's home edge tells after the GW2 setback. Prediction: Newcastle United 2–1 AFC Bournemouth.