Newcastle United will be hoping to maintain their place in the Champions League spots this weekend as they come up against AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League.
The Magpies are one point ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, who play Leicester this afternoon, in the table and could head into this evening’s fixture in fifth if Antonio Conte’s men come away with a win.
This means that the pressure could be on Eddie Howe’s side to pick up all three points against the Cherries, after drawing their last outing in the division with West Ham United.
Should Elliot Anderson start for Newcastle?
Scoring goals has been a significant issue for the Magpies in the Premier League of late and the Toon head coach may be plotting ways to spark his team into life heading into the final few months of the campaign.
Newcastle have scored twice in their last five outings in the English top-flight, including three 0-0 draws, and Howe could make a few alterations to his starting XI to turn their fortunes around in front of goal.
One player the Magpies boss must consider unleashing is academy graduate Elliot Anderson as the 20-year-old midfielder has the potential to be a difference-maker in attack.
The Scotland under-21 international is yet to start a match in the Premier League and this clash with Bournemouth could be his chance to finally shine and show that he can be the missing spark in the middle of the park, with Bruno Guimaraes currently suspended.
Howe recently stated that the gem is “ready to start” matches for the club, from a physical perspective, and this indicates that the manager is willing to offer the youngster an opportunity to impress.
Anderson’s form for Bristol Rovers on loan last term caught the eye as the 5 foot 10 gem produced seven goals and six assists, whilst creating 1.9 chances per match, in 20 starts.
His contributions in League Two came after the gem scored 16 goals and provided three assists in 32 appearances for the Newcastle U21 side, which shows that the midfielder has proven himself to be a reliable attacking threat at senior and youth level.
However, the dynamo, who ex-Toon scout Graham Carr once dubbed “classy” and “like Peter Beardsley“, is yet to prove himself at Premier League level, with nine substitute outings, but providing him with the opportunity to showcase his talent from the start could spark his top-flight career and Newcastle’s attack into life.
Anderson is a midfielder who likes to make things happen in the final third, as shown by his impressive goalscoring and creative output for the 21s and Rovers, and his quality in possession could help the Magpies to end their difficult run in front of goal.
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