Bournemouth in the pink... and in the pink after a slow start.

They have corner... 

Image source, Reuters

Jonjo Shelvey also has a pop - from 20 yards - it misses Artur Boruc's right-hand upright by two yards or so. Great start for the home side.

By the way, Magpies coach Steve McClaren has only just arrived to take up his spot on the bench.

So close for the Magpies. Moussa Sissoko delivers from the right and the ball just eludes the head of Emmanuel Riviere - Newcastle fans have seen that before!

We are under way at St James' Park.

Both teams in a huddle - wonder what the Newcastle team-talk was about?

The players are out. Once again Mark Knopfler's tune is ringing around the stadium.

We are moments from kick off and, to quote Martin Tyler, IT'S LIVE.

Martin Fisher
Match of the Day commentator

"Suddenly, the runners and riders in the relegation battle appear to have reduced to three from four and Newcastle are looking increasingly vulnerable.

"Wednesday's defeat at Stoke made it six in a row on their travels in the league, heaping more pressure on them to pick up results at home.

"There will be another packed house at St. James' Park but that's not always an advantage. Frustration in the stands can increase tension on the pitch.

"Bournemouth, boosted by their recent improvement which sees them eight points clear of the drop zone, can play with comparative freedom and are well equipped to pile on the misery for their hosts."

Bournemouth fans. It seems you've taken quite a party up to St James'. How do you feel your season has gone so far? Certain you won't go down?

Newcastle fans...er....

Anyway, #bbcfootball, external or text 81111 (UK only).

Alan Shearer
Sport Relief Five-A-Side captain

"If Newcastle lose on Saturday they would have to think about Steve McClaren's position. They have given him a lot of money to spend, and time. It would be a devastating blow to not win, they need three points. To get a draw is not good enough. They have scored seven goals away from home which is embarrassing. It is a hopeless record."

Alan Shearer
Sport Relief Five-A-Side captain

"I see ability in the Newcastle team but that is nowhere near enough. Football is easy when you're winning, you don't see your characters and leaders when you are winning. Newcastle haven't got anywhere near enough players who are big enough to get on the ball and say I can handle this."

Now let's read something from the man who bleeds black and white, and someone who must have pretty stiff legs after an amazing stint playing 5-a-side for Sport Relief...

Kevin Kilbane
Ex-Everton and Republic of Ireland winger on Football Focus

"Newcastle are so poor defensively. They don't look like they have any leaders on the pitch or keep their shape. There is a lot going wrong up there."

Newcastle make two changes from Wednesday's defeat by Stoke. Striker Emmanuel Riviere and forward Ayoze Perez come into the side in a 4-2-3-1 system. 

Image source, .

Bournemouth make one change from the side that started in the win over Southampton. Midfielder Dan Gosling replaces Harry Arter.

Image source, .

Couple of key changes in the Magpies XI...

BBC Sport's football expert Mark Lawrenson is pitting his wits against a different guest each week this season.

Lawro's opponent for this weekend's Premier League fixtures is American hip hop artistFatman Scoop, who has been taking part in Sport Relief's Battle of the Five-A-Sides.

Want a go yourself? Check out our BBC Sport Predictor game.

Image source, #bbcfootball

One game to save his job?

Not according to Newcastle United's players who, via the club, released a statement on Saturday - to Sky Sports - backing their under-fire coach Steve McClaren.

It read:

"As a group we aware of the situation we are in and it is our responsibility to change that.

"The coach and his staff prepare us well for each game, but once on the pitch it is not they who can stop the goals we concede or the chances we don't take, that responsibility is ours the players..." etc etc 

That's all good and well, but defeat for the 19th-placed side would further increase the pressure on a coach who seems to be running out of excuses.

He wishes he was in Eddie Howe's position. The promoted Cherries were in strong favourites to go down at the start of the season - but they are eight points clear of the drop-zone.

Live text coming up - bear to read Magpies fans?

Image source, AP