Fernández eyeing more Magpies goals ahead of Cherries clash

The Magpies could jump into the top ten with a win against the Cherries at St. James’ Park, while anything other than a defeat would see Steve Bruce’s side extend their unbeaten home run to five games.

Fernández – who has a goal and an assist to show for his two starts so far this term – is likely to be part of the United side once more this weekend, having nodded in Newcastle’s second at the London Stadium last time out.

And the centre half says he’s enjoying being able to contribute to the Magpies’ attack under Bruce, who netted over 80 goals in his own glittering playing career.

“In terms of how we play, he encourages us as centre backs to try to be more involved with the ball in the offensive part of the game and they have really good ideas in terms of set pieces,” said Fernández. “We’re really working during the week to find the best space in the box to explore.

“It’s difficult to score goals, especially as a defender. I don’t remember too many – it’s more five or six a season, but of course, you never know.

“This is a good run for us in terms of scoring goals, so we need to carry on and try to score as much as we can.”

Fernández regained his place in the United side for the visit of Wolves last month, teeing up Jamaal Lascelles’ opener before his goalscoring display at the home of the Hammers a week later.

And the 30-year-old says he’s looking forward to the battle with the Cherries’ frontmen Callum Wilson and Josh King, who netted Eddie Howe’s side’s winner against Manchester United last Saturday.

“They’re a really good team. They play 4-4-2, so it will be a good one (for) fighting with the strikers, and then of course to try to play our way at home – try to be competitive and always look for the three points.

“We are in a good run, so we need to take the positives from the last two or three games, and to have the same focus in the performance tomorrow, start the game well – that’s a key point for us – and of course look for the win.”

The former Napoli defender added: “In some games the margin between taking three points or one or nil is very close. I think we’re performing well, so if you focus on that the result is a consequence of what we do in 90 minutes.

“Overall, this season, it’s been good for us. We’ve been competitive with every team and we showed last week at West Ham away that we are a good team. If you play a good game you can get the three points.

“We are in a good position and we know that we need to continue in this way because another three points would put us in a better position for the future.”