AFC Bournemouth - we are told by some experts - will finish bottom of the table this season in the Premier League in their first season after promotion back to the top-flight.
Although, that's what football fans were also told in 2015/16 when Eddie Howe guided the Cherries up only to keep them in the top division for four years - and even relegation in 2020 came after lockdown which was hardly an accurate measuring stick for any side's form.
The foundations laid by Howe and his staff at Bournemouth have stayed in place and last season's automatic promotion should not have been a major surprise. What was a bit of a shock to most was the exit of Scott Parker after just three matches.
But even after managerial upheaval Bournemouth haven't exactly suggested that they are guaranteed to go down. Despite a 9-0 mauling at Liverpool and Parker's exit, they also sit on seven points and are a respectable 13th in the table.
Lee Ryder's prediction
Former Middlesbrough star Gary O'Neil picked up the pieces for Bournemouth after Parker was sacked and has subsequently picked up four points. A more than creditable home draw against Wolves came at the end of August before a comeback victory away to Nottingham Forest took his tally to four points in his caretaker stint.
It won't be as easy as some people expect but I think Newcastle will grab the three points this weekend. A 3-1 win for the Magpies.
Referee
Craig Pawson (South Yorkshire)
The FA Cup final referee of 2022 has been put in charge. Surely he can't do any worse than Michael Sailsbury after the VAR blunder vs Palace?
Betting
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Newcastle United - 9/20
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Draw - 7/2
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Bournemouth - 6/1
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