The fact that those three precious points doubled our tally for the ten previous games is hardly a comforting thought, but for now let’s just be happy to be out of the drop zone heading into the weekend.

The hope now is that that crucial (and possibly a touch fortunate) win over Watford acts as a springboard as we enter a kindly looking run of seven fixtures until we face one of the Premier League’s so-called big six.

This is Bournemouth’s longest away day, the trip to St. James’ clocking in at a 700-mile round trip. But, heading into the weekend in sixth, it’s they who start slight favourites.

Prior to last weekend’s 2-1 loss to Man United, Bournemouth were unbeaten in four, having won three of those. There’s certainly much to admire about Eddie Howe’s visitors but let’s not show them too much respect on Saturday – you can back Newcastle at 7/4 to win with our official betting partner Coral.

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With our defence currently joint 7th best – better than United, Everton & Leicester and equal to Arsenal – Rafa clearly hasn’t lost his touch in terms of organisation.

We highlighted 1-0 Newcastle and a win to nil last week, and it seemed to do the trick so let’s try it again – 1-0 on Saturday pays 8/1, and Newcastle to win to nil is 19/5.

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Choose from the bets already on site, or tweet @Coral to get your own, personal price which will then be available for everyone to bet on.

Example: Newcastle to win both halves, Newcastle Over 2.5 goals and Newcastle to keep a clean sheet @ 22/1.

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On to Saturday we go and let’s make it two wins out of two!