Bournemouth

After facing Barcelona on Thursday, Newcastle make the long trip to the south coast to face in-form Bournemouth. BBC Sport takes a look at the key talking points going into the game.

Bournemouth went into the weekend in fourth place after making their best start to a Premier League season. The Cherries continue to defy the doubters who predicted they might struggle after their defence was asset stripped over the summer by a host of Europe's biggest clubs.

Victory over Newcastle would match their club record of four successive Premier League wins, set twice under former manager and current Magpies boss Eddie Howe.

The Cherries are unbeaten in all six of their matches against Howe's Newcastle and enjoyed one of their best Premier League results in their last encounter with a stunning 4-1 victory at St James' Park in January.

Antoine Semenyo may not have been on the scoresheet that day but he has started this season in sensational form, contributing three goals and two assists to their tally of six goals so far.

The Cherries' famed scouting team may have struck gold yet again if the performance of 18-year-old debutant Veljko Milosavljevic in the win over Brighton is anything to go by.

If selected, the towering Serbian centre-back may come up against another man who stole the headlines on his first Premier League appearance in Newcastle's Nick Woltemade.

The Geordies had mustered just two goals from 34 shots across their opening three games, so were grateful for the German to step up and help them record a first win of the campaign against Wolves last Saturday.

Howe, who describes his 6ft 6in forward as an "unusual and very distinctive striker", sprung a surprise by dropping him to the bench for the defeat by Barcelona on Thursday.

But he is expected to restore him to the starting line-up as they try to score a first away goal of the campaign after two 0-0 draws at Leeds and Aston Villa. Leicester City, in 1976-77, are the only side in top-flight history to record goalless draws in their first three away top-flight matches to a season.

At the other end of the pitch they have impressed with a joint top-flight high three clean sheets so far and the Premier League's lowest expected goals against total of 2.1.

They will need to start well against a Cherries side that have scored an early goal in three of their four games so far, which has helped them lead for more minutes than any other top-flight side this season.

In the wake of the Barcelona defeat, Howe spoke of how his side will need to deal with the comedown following that match and be switched on for their test at Vitality Stadium.

"It's a psychological issue rather than a physical issue," the Newcastle boss said. "It's the big high [of the Barcelona game] - a big experience for the players, another big, emotional game – then the big comedown, then you've got to go to Bournemouth, which is a really tough away game."

Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Newcastle United at Vitality Stadium (kick-off 14:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Ryan Christie and Bafode Diakite have recovered from their injuries and should be available: "Ryan is training well without any problems. Bafode is also training well - I wouldn't say he is 100% but I would expect him to also be available."

• On when full-back Adam Smith should return: "I wouldn't expect him back before the international break - that's going to be very difficult. I don't want to rule him out completely because his recovery might go really well and he might want to play against Fulham."

• On whether he has been enjoying the selection dilemma in midfield or if it has been giving him a bit of a headache: "Enjoy is probably not the right word, but I do have the privilege of choosing between very good players now. When you have two good options, even if you don't choose the best one you still have a very good option. These are the best headaches to have."

• Newcastle United have a "very similar" playing style to Bournemouth, so he is expecting "a very physically demanding game" and hoping it will be "a good challenge" early in the season.

• Iraola added: "The games we have played against them have been quite open. We have our chances and they also have their chances, so you never know what's going to happen. We enjoy those kind of games, even if the opposition is very good. We have to be ready for everything."

• Eddie Howe has "plenty of squad depth" and made "very early substitutions" against Barcelona on Thursday night, so the Cherries will be prepared to face a side operating at "100 per cent".

• He praised Evanilson for being "a very difficult player to deal with", having won more penalties [five] than any other player since arriving at Bournemouth: "He's a threat when he comes to receive, his link-up play is amazing and he's a threat in behind. We are starting to use him more around the offside line and around the defenders, so I think we're also finding him in better spots now."

• On whether summer addition Alex Jimenez can expect more minutes soon: "He had a pre-season with AC Milan but he hasn't had a lot of minutes. He went to Spain with the under-21s and played a game from the start, so he is training well. We used him the other day to close the game out, but until we see him competing at Premier League level we won't really know where he is at."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to full commentary of Bournemouth v Newcastle on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2 from 14:00 BST on Sunday

Mark Mitchener
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

While teenage debutant Veljko Milosavljevic grabbed many of the headlines following Bournemouth's win over Brighton on Saturday, and was announced as the sponsors' player of the match, another young man caught the eye at Vitality Stadium.

Alex Scott finally recorded his first home league goal for the Cherries with a brilliant turn and shot from the edge of the box, with his less-favoured left foot, after being set up by fellow ex-Bristol City star Antoine Semenyo.

Midfielder Scott, dubbed "the Guernsey Grealish", arrived in Dorset in the summer of 2023 – or rather, returned there, having spent a year with Bournemouth's academy earlier in his young life.

He came with a burgeoning reputation as the Championship's young player of the year for 2022-23, but his Cherries career has been the definition of stop-start because of injuries.

With Ryan Christie having hernia surgery in the spring, that opened up a slot for Scott to have his longest run in the team so far, until an encounter with Tyrone Mings' elbow left the Channel Islander with a fractured jaw.

But he bounced back to play a significant role in England Under-21s' successful European Championship campaign, starting five of the six games wearing a protective mask, and that run of games looks to have done him the world of good.

With Christie, Lewis Cook and Justin Kluivert all unavailable at the start of the new Premier League season, Scott has seized his opportunity and started each of the four opening games as the Cherries have enjoyed their best start to a top-flight campaign.

Scott left the field on Saturday to a standing ovation when replaced by Kluivert, and while he is now too old for the Under-21s, fans will hope his undoubted talent can finally burst into full bloom at the highest level this season.

Jordan Clark
BBC Sport Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Bournemouth have released computer-generated images to illustrate how they plan to expand Vitality Stadium, but when will work start on renovating?

This is one of the questions sent in via our 'Ask about Bournemouth' form and we put it to Jordan Clark at BBC Radio Solent.

Bournemouth have not given an exact start date for the renovations to begin but if everything goes to plan then they're hoping the work will start at some point between January and March 2026.

The club is currently working with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council on the planning and consultation phase, something Cherries chairman Bill Foley gave a positive update on in his programme notes before Saturday's win over Brighton.

If planning permission is granted, then the club wants to start the redevelopment by installing a new perimeter fence and turnstiles, a new ticket office and a 'small-scale extension' to the West Stand, as well as an internal refurbishment of the East and West Stands. They hope to have that work completed by March 2026.

Attention will then turn to building a new South Stand and infilling the four corners of the stadium by August 2026.

The final phase of the redevelopment should see the expansion of the North and East Stands, which the Cherries hope to start work on in the summer of 2027.

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Bournemouth intend to accelerate contract talks with head coach Andoni Iraola over the next month with the Spaniard's current deal expiring next summer. (The I paper - subscription required), external

Iraola is among list of potential replacements for Ruben Amorim should Manchester United sack him. (Star), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Tom Jordan
Fan writer

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Andoni Iraola has been nothing short of exceptional since his arrival at Bournemouth.

His brand of energetic, intense and offensive football has been a breath of fresh air to the Premier League as a whole, and his individual tactical nous has also been remarkable.

The Cherries have continued to supply him with some truly exciting talent, but Iraola's foresight into how to utilise them continues to impress.

For example, Antoine Semenyo was seen predominantly as a striker until Iraola allowed him to become the powerhouse winger that he currently is. Similarly, Ryan Christie was notably a back-up wide option for Bournemouth until he was given the licence to be an all-action central midfielder.

But recently, he may have uncovered another...

Marcus Tavernier has arguably had his best start to a season in a Cherries shirt, and this is all while playing a role somewhat alien to him. He has had spells at wing-back but, more often than not, he has been utilised as one of the wingers during his career. However, he is now flourishing centrally.

With so many wide options and a few injuries in central areas, Tavernier was tasked with starting the season in the centre of midfield in front of the Tyler Adams anchor, and it has worked a treat.

His non-stop running and off-the-ball discipline ties in so well with his aggressive dribbling attributes, and both Tavernier and Bournemouth are reaping the rewards.

Massive props to Marcus himself, who has relished his new role, but it is also another example of just how lucky the Cherries are to have such a special coach in Iraola.

Find more from Tom Jordan at Back of the Net, external

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Bournemouth and Brighton.

Here are some of your comments:

Bournemouth fans

Lee: Hard fought win for the Cherries. Definitely played the better football and deserved the win but we always have close games with the Seagulls. I am really positive about what lies ahead!

Peter: Antoine Semenyo bullies defences, while Alex Scott is emerging as a skilful number 10. At the back, there are already signs that Bournemouth won't concede many this season.

Charl: Veljko Milosavljevic had a very good debut, he grew in confidence as the game progressed. We need to work on our corner taking, it's wasteful and lacking in any kind of threat. James Hill needs to concentrate for 90 minutes, he failed to pick up their scorer again.

Keith: What a glowing endorsement of the recruitment team at Bournemouth to discover such talented defenders to replace those who have left. Bring on Newcastle!

Brighton fans

Fran: Just in previous games, good at times, poor at other times. I have said it before - we are too slow in our build-up play. We really should have gone for an experienced striker. It is all very well signing young players and giving them time to adapt, but we need players now. I hope not but I think this is going to be a struggle this season.

Andy: Dunk is too slow for the modern game. If he remains at the heart of the defence, Brighton will continue to struggle. I find it incomprehensible that Hurzeler cannot see the problem.

Mark: On paper our squad looks decent despite all the outgoings. Worry for me is that I'm not sure if our conductor is good enough to mould them into a team that can play.

Joe: Back to drab and toothless. There's no way we'll get anywhere near Europe - Tony's stated aim for this year - if we have a season playing football like Saturday and three of the four games played so far. I worry for Hurzeler if the trend continues.

Tom Gayle
Match of the Day commentator at the Vitality Stadium

Image source, Getty Images

I don't think I was alone in considering Bournemouth's deadline day signing of Veljko Milosavljevic as 'one for the future', given he is just 18 and had a mere 27 senior appearances for Red Star Belgrade.

Football moves quick.

Because Bournemouth didn't want to take any risks with Bafode Diakite, who I was told was not 100%, the stage was set for Milosavljevic to become the club's youngest player - and the youngest Serb - to start a Premier League match.

Andoni Iraola's response when I asked him pre-match if Milosavljevic was ready to play at this level was: "I'm not sure." The honest answer will have come from only having worked with the teenager for a couple of days as a result of him being away with Serbia Under-21s.

After Saturday's 2-1 victory over Brighton, the answer in the short term is an emphatic yes.

The biggest praise has to be for his mentality. The only visible sign of nerves was the slightly awkward pre-game dressing room photo posted on Bournemouth's social media, external.

As for his performance, I wouldn't go as far as saying he is the complete package of a modern, ball-playing centre-back yet, but he was more than comfortable playing out from the back and slotted in perfectly alongside Marcos Senesi.

Clearly the quicker of the two centre-halves, Milosavljevic was more effective in dealing with Brighton's pace in behind. He can do the ugly stuff too. Despite his boyish looks, Milosavljevic more than held his own when dealing with the physicality and guile of the experienced Danny Welbeck.

Described as "one of the biggest talents in Serbian football" by media in his homeland, I'm reluctant to add to the hype train after a sample size of one Premier League game.

I'm more inclined to echo the more measured assessment of match-winner Antoine Semenyo when I asked him about his new team-mate's debut: "Solid - did everything right. A great start for him and many more to come".

• Find and follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport

Sam Ashoo
Final Score reporter at Vitality Stadium

Image source, Getty Images

If it wasn't already clear that Bournemouth are a good side, it should be now.

Their flair and creativity, coupled with a high press and ability to counter-attack, make them a great team to watch. But it is their defensive capabilities that could see them as serious challengers for a European spot this season.

And the addition of Veljko Milosavljevic only enhances that argument. The defender joined from Red Star Belgrade on transfer deadline day and is recognised as 'one of the biggest talents in Serbian football'.

After Saturday's performance against Brighton, it's no surprise why. The 18-year-old was unfazed by the occasion and dealt comfortably with Danny Welbeck and Georginio Rutter.

It poses an interesting problem for Andoni Iraola who had initially partnered Marcos Senesi and Bafode Diakite at centre-back before Diakite missed out on Saturday because of injury.

Iraola once again has solid options at the back and, having conceded just one goal in three Premier League games, the compact Cherries are going to be tough to beat.

Pundits Ashley Williams and Shay Given join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Everton 0-0 Aston Villa

• Newcastle 1-0 Wolves

• West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

Adam Millington
BBC Sport journalist

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While this was far from a perfect performance by Bournemouth, there were clear moments of promise throughout.

Full-back Adrien Truffert, in particular, was impressive, darting up and down the left flank to keep Brighton out and provide another dimension up front.

Antoine Semenyo was his typical creative self, looking to work openings with the ball at his feet and being patient to release his team-mates at the right moments.

Despite being unable to keep what would have been a third successive clean sheet, there were positive signs of new signing Veljko Milosavljevic's talents as the defender added a clear touch of solidity to the Cherries' backline.

For the most part, Bournemouth were simply sharper, hungrier and more creative than their opponents.

There may not have been many similarities to their 1-0 win against Tottenham before the break - where Andoni Iraola's men tormented Spurs' defence and should have scored more - but they were once again a cut above their opposition and showed they are a well-drilled side.

A little more quality up front may have made victory more easy, but in the end it was not needed.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola spoke to BBC Match of the Day after his side's victory over Brighton: "Very happy with the win because we value this win against a very good team. The game went some moments for us, for them. It was not clear what was going to happen at the end."

On Alex Scott's goal: "Alex has a very good right foot but it was a lovely finish. I am happy for him and the two players who made their debut [Veljko Milosavljevic and Alex Jimenez]. Difficult to play first game against Brighton and they did very well."

On Veljko Milosavljevic: "It was a difficult position because we like what we saw but he has played with us just three days. He has the rhythm and he comes in good form. Everything went well with him."

On strong start to the season: "It's a good start, its a good amount of points but still we have our moment's. We will make mistakes. We need to build still. Everyone is getting more minutes but every game is costing us a lot. We are managing well but if we don't keep the focus these small details can go the other way. We have to stay humble."

Did you know?

• Bournemouth have won three successive Premier League games for the first time since December 2024, while their nine points from their opening four games is their best ever start to a top-flight season

• Antoine Semenyo has both scored and provided an assist in a Premier League game for the very first time. Semenyo has been directly involved in seven goals across his past five league games (five goals, two assists), as many contributions as in his previous 18 appearances.

Hear more from Iraola and on BBC Sounds

Hear from Marcus Tavernier

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Bournemouth's performance

What did you make of Brighton's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Valjko Milosavljevic, who joined Bournemotuh on transfer deadline day, makes his first appearance as the Cherries make two changes from the side who beat Tottenham 1-0 before the international break.

James Hill also comes into the starting line-up, while Bafoda Diakite and Adam Smith are absent.

Bournemouth XI: Petrovic, Truffert, Senesi, Brooks, Scott, Evanilson, Adams, Tavernier, Hill, Semenyo, Milosavljevic.

Subs: Dannis, Araujo, Cook, Soler, Gannon-Doak, Kluivert, Jimenez, Adli, Kroupi.

There are also two changes for Brighton, who beat Manchester City 2-1 in their last Premier League match.

James Milner, who scored a penalty in that victory, comes into the starting XI, as does forward Georginio Rutter.

Carlos Baleba drops to the bench, while Diego Gomez is absent.

Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Dunk, Van Hecke, Rutter, Minteh, Hinshelwood, Welbeck, Milner, Mitoma, De Cuyper, Veltman.

Subs: Steele, Gruda, Tzimas, Watson, Baleba, Boscagli, Kadioglu, Ayari, Coppola.

There are eight games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Arsenal v Nottingham Forest (12:30)

• Bournemouth v Brighton

• Crystal Palace v Sunderland

• Everton v Aston Villa - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Fulham v Leeds United

• Newcastle v Wolves - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• West Ham v Tottenham (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Brentford v Chelsea (20:00)

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated

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Both these teams had really good wins before the international break.

Bournemouth only beat Tottenham 1-0 but they absolutely hammered them, and could and should have scored more goals.

Brighton's victory over Manchester City was different in that they nicked the points late on - Erling Haaland was my Fantasy Premier League captain and he could have had a hat-trick for Pep Guardiola's side - but that was still an impressive result.

When I did my research for these predictions, I was a little surprised that the Seagulls did the double over the Cherries last season, winning 2-1 home and away.

I don't think Bournemouth will end up empty handed this time, though. I am going for a draw - an exciting one, not a boring one - on the south coast.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Sophie Brown
BBC Sport journalist

A south-coast derby between Bournemouth and Brighton, two sides who have bounced back after sluggish starts to the season.

After losing four of their first-choice back five over the summer, there was a lot of scrutiny on Bournemouth's new-look defence in the opening match of this campaign.

It didn't get off to a good start with a defeat by Liverpool, in which the Cherries conceded four goals and faced 19 shots, 10 of which were on target.

However, anyone who saw the match will know it was a more encouraging display than those stats suggested – and that has been borne out in their subsequent two league games.

Bournemouth were the only Premier League side to keep clean sheets in both the second and third matchdays, and faced both the fewest shots (11) and the fewest shots on target (two) in that time.

But on Saturday they are up against Brighton, who have won five of the past six league meetings between the sides and took all six points last season, in which they eventually finished six points and one place ahead of Bournemouth in the table in eighth and ninth respectively.

After going winless in their opening two games of 2025-26, the Seagulls thrashed Oxford United in the EFL Cup and then came from behind to beat Manchester City, and they will be hoping that the international break hasn't curtailed that momentum.

One man whose momentum shows no signs of slowing is evergreen midfielder James Milner, whose equalising spot-kick against City made him the oldest penalty scorer ever in the Premier League.

Brighton have scored a penalty in four of their past six Premier League matches, while in 2025 they have netted nine goals from the spot – four more than any other side – so 39-year-old Milner could well get a chance to extend his own record before too long.

• Hear more from Milner speaking to BBC Radio Sussex before the game against Bournemouth

Sean Byrne
BBC Sport researcher

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Brighton at Vitality Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On when Lewis Cook will be able to return to action: "He has been training with the team a little bit, but he's probably not 100%. We need to see after training how he feels."

• On Adam Smith's injury: "He has a suspected hamstring injury and he will be out a few more weeks."

• On the rest of the teams news: "We are waiting for more situations with the internationals, but I want to see how they are, how they recover as we don't know yet what level they are at."

• On deadline day signing Veljko Milosavljevic from Red Star Belgrade: "He is someone who is very young, just turned 18. He has some experience in the Serbian league. He is physical and tall, a centre-back. He has been with the Serbia Under-21s, but I like his character and he is ready to learn. I am happy with the signing."

• On how he has found the international break: "International break is a strange two weeks. We have two weeks to prepare things. We have seven or eight main players some of the days - you can focus on individuals and improve their game. But overall it is hard to prepare for the game. We only have three days with the players who have been away, but it is the same for everyone so no complaints."

• On contract extensions for players such as Antoine Semenyo and David Brooks being delivered over summer: "Very good news, for them personally and especially for us, the club. We are very happy with them - they are very valuable for us and it's always good."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Image source, Getty Images

Former Bournemouth defender Joe Partington spoke to BBC Radio Solent about David Brooks' new contract: "It is amazing news. In the summer, everybody was probably anticipating that Bournemouth needed a replacement - it is very easy to see from the early stages of the season the influence he has on and off the pitch. For the supporters, it is a really good move.

"Clubs have to protect their assets, and they have some really talented players that others would want to take. It is a very strong group of players there and it has been reflected in the results so far this season.

"It is an exciting time to be a Bournemouth player and supporter."

Image source, Getty Images

Bournemouth's attacking winger David Brooks has signed a new deal to keep him at the club until 2029.

The 28-year-old has made 151 appearances for the Cherries after signing from Sheffield United in 2018.

Brooks has scored 22 times for Bournemouth and started all three Premier League matches of this season.

"I'm delighted to sign a new deal," he said. "The past seven years have come with some ups and downs - of course nothing to do with the club - but I've really enjoyed being here and I'm looking forward to the years ahead.

"I think my standout moment so far has to be making my Premier League debut. That's every young boy's dream and I got to fulfill that here, so now I hope to push forward and make more memories."

Mark Mitchener
BBC Sport senior journalist

Image source, Getty Images

With the transfer window closed, fans' attention turns to players already under contract at their club - and especially to those in the final year of their current deals, who will be able to openly speak to other clubs from January, and leave on a free transfer next summer unless they re-sign.

Bournemouth have managed to tie one such player, versatile defender James Hill, to a new deal stretching until 2029, leaving Marcos Senesi, David Brooks and Adam Smith as the three remaining first-team players only contracted until the end of 2025-26.

Cherries captain Smith will be 35 by the time that contract expires, and having not taken previous opportunities to move away, looks likely to see out his career at the Dorset club.

But Bournemouth will be keen to persuade Senesi and Brooks, two of their more impressive performers in the opening games of the season, to extend their stays.

It is easy to forget how centre-back Senesi was an automatic choice for two years until he was injured last season, and unable to regain his place because of the meteoric rise of Real Madrid-bound Dean Huijsen.

Meanwhile, it is seven years since Brooks was among some star-studded nominees for the PFA Young Player of the Year award after a sparkling debut Cherries season in 2018-19. It has been a long road back for the Warrington-born Wales winger who missed most of 2019-20 with injury, and later spent nearly 18 months out of the game after being diagnosed with cancer.

Brooks told BBC Radio Solent at the end of last season that he might have to consider his options if he continued to struggle for playing time, but took a starring role in their last game at Tottenham, up against new England recruit Djed Spence.

Like Hill, midfielder Marcus Tavernier has put pen to paper until 2029, though he was already under contract beyond this season.

The elephant in the Vitality Stadium on the subject of contracts, however, is the situation of head coach Andoni Iraola, whose deal is also up next summer.

President of football operations Tiago Pinto told Sky Sports last week that the club were hoping to tie the much-admired Iraola to an extended contract. Now that really would be Bournemouth's most important signing of the year.