Southampton vs Newcastle United: Opposing fan’s view
Southampton welcome Newcastle United to St. Mary’s this Sunday, with both teams hoping to end the weekend in the top half of the table.
Having had a similarly inconsistent start to the season, Newcastle find themselves two points and three places ahead of Southampton going into this fixture.
And like the Saints, Benitez’s side also suffered an early League Cup exit at home to a Championship side, going 3-2 down to Nottingham Forest.
Despite this couple of setbacks, Newcastle Toons site co-expert Carson Merk is relatively pleased with the team’s start.
"“Newcastle have gotten off to a pretty decent start, given that this is their return campaign to the Premier League and they’re one of the youngest sides. After dropping their first couple matches, they won a few in a row and finished level with Liverpool last time out.”"
And in regards to Southampton’s start to the season, there are certainly similarities between the two sides. Newcastle have scored just two more goals than Saints this season, with both clubs netting three times against West Ham.
Southampton have just three goals from open play however, with two of those coming from unlikely sources – Steven Davis and Maya Yoshida.
"“Outside of the lack of scoring, it’s been a solid start for the Saints. Like Newcastle, their defense will keep them from struggling too much.”"
Newcastle made some astute signings over the summer, including Christian Atsu and Javi Manquillo from Chelsea and Atletico Madrid respectively. What’s more, over the past couple of days, Mikel Merino has made his loan from Borussia Dortmund permanent, which is perhaps their best business so far.
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But it is Rafa Benitez that Carson sees as their biggest strength. A respected and accomplished manager, having him at the helm paid dividends for them in the Championship and continues to do so this season.
"“Their biggest strength is their manager. Rafa Benitez is one of the top men in England and he always puts Newcastle in a position to succeed. Their backline is typically steady and they have quality in the midfield and on the wings.“Their weak area has been at forward. Dwight Gayle led the club in scoring last season, but hasn’t featured much this year. Joselu signed this summer and has missed some absolute sitters. Ayoze Perez plays right behind the striker and he’s been very poor, but the club doesn’t have a clear cut replacement for him.”"
If the frontline is Newcastle’s weakness, who are the dangermen to look out for on Sunday?
"“Matt Ritchie, despite battling an injury, is dangerous with his set pieces and crossing from the wing. Outside of that, Jonjo Shelvey and Mikel Merino can really spray the ball around from the middle of the park. Christian Atsu’s pace gives right backs nightmares.”"
And beyond this weekend’s match, Carson believes Southampton’s lack of firepower will adversely affect their final position this season.
"“I don’t think Southampton will make a run for the title or struggle to avoid relegation. They are a composed side that will be competitive almost every time out. I would say somewhere towards to bottom of those middle spots on the table. They are too good defensively to finish lower, but don’t have enough firepower to finish higher.”"
Southampton versus Newcastle United kicks off today at St. Mary’s, with a kick-off time of 4:00 PM. You can watch the game on Sky Sports.