Ahead of what is a crunch clash for relegation-threatened Newcastle on Saturday, an under-fire Steve McClaren was involved in a heated verbal row with a journalist in his pre-match conference.
McClaren was infuriated by what he believes to be fabricated news that was leaked by the usually reliable reporter, and his uncharacteristic lapse in optimism shows that the pressure is mounting.
Various media outlets have reported that should the underperforming Magpies fail to pick up three points against Eddie Howe’s confident Bournemouth side, Steve McClaren’s position will become untenable and he will almost certainly be sacked.
Newcastle’s dreadful away form has been one of the main factors for their downfall this season, so many fans will be relieved that this vital fixture will take place on home soil.
Chancel Mbemba and Fabricio Coloccini are both unavailable due to injury, and Andros Townsend remains a doubt after suffering a hamstring injury last week. Here is our predicted lineup.