The Premier League takes a break for international games after this weekend so I always feel it must be even tougher to stomach a defeat when you know you'll have to wait an extra week to play again. Newcastle were beaten at Burnley last Monday courtesy of a Jeff Hendrick goal but a win for the Magpies on Saturday would move them above sixth placed Liverpool for a few hours at the very least.
Rafa Benitez wasn't happy with the lack of investment before the transfer window closed so since then he's had to work with what he's got. However it's no real surprise to see Newcastle have made a steady start on their return to the top flight under the Spaniard and I wonder how much better things could get for the Magpies when a takeover goes through. Benitez obviously knows there's serious potential at the club or else he would have walked away after they were relegated to the Championship.
Bournemouth are second from bottom with just two wins from their opening 10 games but I'd also be confident that they have enough to get themselves out of trouble. The Cherries have already played Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham but they don't face another one of the big clubs until December 13th, when they travel to Manchester United. Before that, they have games against Huddersfield, Swansea, Burnley, Southampton and Crystal Palace after tomorrow's trip to Newcastle. Eddie Howe will see these games as a great chance to get themselves up the league table.
Ron Jones and Mark Lawrenson will be in the commentary box for us at St. James' Park.
It's FAI Cup final weekend so FAI Cup winner and St. Pats midfielder, Conan Byrne will be this week's guest in the Boot Room as we look back on the Saints successful cup run of 2014.
We'll also look ahead to the Republic of Ireland's World Cup playoff against Denmark.
Premier League Live with Sky Sports on Today FM from 2-6pm.
