Southampton vs. Newcastle United: Preview and predictions
By Ben Whitlock
Saints get back into footballing action this Sunday with a home fixture against newly promoted Newcastle United, who own the worst St. Mary’s record of any current Premier League side.
After being relegated at the end of the 2015/16 season, Rafa Benitez led his men to an instant return to the Premier League, winning the Championship over Brighton.
After impressive wins over West Ham, Swansea and Stoke, Newcastle currently sit in ninth place, two points above Saints in twelfth.
Last time out, Saints were left disappointed after an exciting second-half performance away at Stoke was not enough to salvage any points, falling 2-1 to the Potters after ex-Southampton striker Peter Crouch’ 85th minute winner. Meanwhile, Newcastle held on for an important point, following a 1-1 draw at home to Liverpool in their last game before the international break.
Shane Long will face a late fitness test on his hip, for an injury that kept him out of Republic of Ireland’s crunch game against Wales on Monday. Other then that, Mauricio Pellegrino faces no new injury worries.
Whilst Paul Dummet remains out of action, Christian Atsu could be fit for the journey to St. Mary’s, helping Rafa Benitez’ squad get back to a near full strength squad.
Why Southampton will win
If Saints are to continue the way they played in the second half against Stoke then Newcastle could be in for a long game. Although the southerners are short on goals, they are still playing promising football, and creating a lot of chances.
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Saints have remained relatively strong defensively so far this campaign, and Newcastle will have a hard task on their hands trying to break down the red and white back line.
Why Newcastle will win
The visitors will be going in to this game full of confidence. If they have a positive approach to the game and take control of the match early, they can make life difficult for the hosts.
Rafa Benitez has got his men playing a stylish type of football, and are more then capable of upsetting the Southampton fans on Sunday afternoon.
Team predictions
Southampton
Goalkeeper: Fraser Forster
Defence: Cedric Soares, Virgil van Dijk, Wesley Hoedt, Ryan Bertrand
Midfielders: Steven Davis, Oriol Romeu, Mario Lemina, Dusan Tadic, Nathan Redmond
Striker: Charlie Austin
Newcastle United
Goalkeeper: Rob Elliot
Defence: DeAndre Yedlin, Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark, Javi Manquillo
Midfielders: Jonjo Shelvey, Mikel Merino, Matt Ritchie, Ayoze Perez
Strikers: Joselu, Dwight Gayle
Verdict
While Newcastle will be full of confidence, I think Saints will do enough to take the game and play it at their pace. While the goals will not be flying in, I think the Magpies will have a tough day trying to break down the red and white back line, with the ever impressive duo of Romeu and Lemina in front of them.