Former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe could take a place on the bench for Bournemouth this Saturday and have the chance to extend his excellent scoring record against Newcastle.
The 35-year-old has netted a staggering eight goals against United with two of those coming in the red and white of fierce rivals Sunderland, including THAT stunning volley in his first Wear-Tyne derby in 2015 that proved to be the winner for the Black Cats in a 1-0 victory.
A fractured ankle, sustained in the Carabao Cup match against Chelsea, has kept Defoe out for the last two months and, although he is now wearing the red and black of Bournemouth, there’s nothing the England international would love more than to score against Newcastle for the ninth time in his career.
There’s a strong possibility of that happening with the Daily Mail reporting that Defoe is now back in full training and could be named amongst the substitutes by Cherries boss Eddie Howe for the visit of Newcastle to the Vitality Stadium.
Interestingly, Defoe scored the last and only time he faced the Magpies with Benitez in charge – in a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park.
