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Southampton: James Ward-Prowse confident of change in form

By Chris Hughes

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: James Ward-Prowse of Southampton signs autographs prior to the Premier League match between Southampton and Swansea City at St Mary's Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: James Ward-Prowse of Southampton signs autographs prior to the Premier League match between Southampton and Swansea City at St Mary's Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images) /
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After a well-needed international break, Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse will hope they can push on against Newcastle this coming weekend.

In Southampton’s first Sunday game of the season, they play host to a Newcastle United side who will equally be looking to kick on.

Going into the international break, Southampton lost two league games on the bounce for the first time, with both Manchester United and Stoke City defeating the Saints.

From seven games in the PL so far this campaign, Mauricio Pellegrino’s men have won just twice, scoring only five goals on the way.

The Saints are desperately in need of a confidence boost ahead of a month with three winnable games, with West Brom and Brighton to follow after the game against the Magpies this Sunday.

Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse has struggled to retain his place since the last international break but he remains confident that his side can hit the ground running this weekend.

"“It’s a building process still for us all, but it’s a positive one in the making. After this two weeks, it’s a great chance for us to hit the ground running and take the league by storm now.”"

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: James Ward-Prowse of Southampton and Jeffrey Schlupp of Crystal Palace battle for possession during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Southampton at Selhurst Park on September 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: James Ward-Prowse of Southampton and Jeffrey Schlupp of Crystal Palace battle for possession during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Southampton at Selhurst Park on September 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

Despite making six appearances so far in the league, JWP has collectively played just over 170 minutes, which averages as less than two full 90-minute games.

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However following a disappointing couple of results, Pellegrino could rotate after three games with the same attacking six. One obvious option to bring in would be the young English midfielder.

Some Southampton supporters have suggested that the style of football under the Argentinian has been similar to that of under Claude Puel last season, which was one of the major contributors to the latter’s dismissal.

However Ward-Prowse believes that Southampton have a fresh tactical set-up this year which is a positive improvement:

"“It’s still early on in the season and we have to keep taking the positives from the games we have played and try and work on that to help us in the long run.“It feels like a different type of season. Last year was very difficult because of the Europa League situation and a great cup run.“This season we have a new manager, a new style of play and a few new signings as well which have had a positive impact on the team.”"

Southampton versus Newcastle United kicks off this Sunday afternoon, with a 4:00 PM start.

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