Southampton: Who should start up front against Newcastle?

With Shane Long potentially still injured for this weekend’s match against Newcastle, Mauricio Pellegrino will have a selection headache up top.

Having suffered a set-back over the international break, Shane Long will be potentially be out for this weekend’s game against Newcastle United, meaning the Saints will likely field a new striker this Sunday.

Long has started the last three games despite failing to score, however he earned plaudits for his hard-working performance in the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace. Before that Manolo Gabbiadini led the line, scoring just once and often being substituted around the hour mark. But should he start against Rafa Benitez’s side?

Newcastle boast an impressively quick defence with good natural pace meaning Gabbiadini’s on-pitch intelligence could prove vital. With Dusan Tadic and Steven Davis likely to retain their places, the Saints won’t field a whole lot of pace come Sunday.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 23: Will Norris of Wolverhampton Wanderers saves from Manolo Gabbiadini of Southampton during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers at St Mary’s Stadium on August 23, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

Therefore goals could come down to the creativity of the attacking players and Gabbiadini is one of the most creative of the whole bunch, assuming he isn’t isolated up top.

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The Italian forward’s runs could prove the difference off passes from Tadic and his finishing touch is far superior to Shane Long’s, even when he was fit.

But in his own way, Charlie Austin could prove the difference-maker. He’s yet to start in the league and is sure to be hungry to prove that he’s better than the third-choice role he’s had to take on so far this season. He has just one goal so far, and that came from the spot against West Ham.

Austin’s ability to poach in the box could prove a useful asset against defenders without a huge amount of Premier League experience – his good movement in the box could unlock a tough Benitez back-four.

Neither of the two strikers have a great amount of natural pace – not compared to Long – so whoever starts will need a different tactical set-up to be deployed from what we’ve seen in the last couple of games.

My verdict would be to start Austin – something fresh is needed up front and the Englishman has something to prove after a quiet start to the season.