Southampton vs. Newcastle: Opposition threat – 27/10/18

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 15: Manolo Gabbiadini of Southampton (C) celebrates as he scores their second goal from the penalty spot with Shane Long and Mario Lemina during the Premier League match between Southampton and Newcastle United at St Mary's Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 15: Manolo Gabbiadini of Southampton (C) celebrates as he scores their second goal from the penalty spot with Shane Long and Mario Lemina during the Premier League match between Southampton and Newcastle United at St Mary's Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 15: Manolo Gabbiadini of Southampton (C) celebrates as he scores their second goal from the penalty spot with Shane Long and Mario Lemina during the Premier League match between Southampton and Newcastle United at St Mary’s Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 15: Manolo Gabbiadini of Southampton (C) celebrates as he scores their second goal from the penalty spot with Shane Long and Mario Lemina during the Premier League match between Southampton and Newcastle United at St Mary’s Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Southampton return to St. Mary’s to take on Newcastle after a 0-0 at Bournemouth last week and failing to score for the fourth-straight match.

The Saints find themselves in 16th entering this match, only one point above the relegation zone, while their opponents are bringing up the rear with only two points on the season with seven defeats. This match may be seen as a must-win by both sides, even at such an early juncture of the season, because three points for either side could go a long way in avoiding relegation this season.

After a promising performance that saw the Saints get a point on the road, confidence should not be terribly low despite the scoring struggles that, once again, plague this team. Newcastle have struggled in most aspects of the game this season. If the Saints come out with confidence and finish their clear-cut chances the result should be in their favour and a little extra breathing room from the bottom three is never a bad thing.

Despite their record, Newcastle, will not be pushovers this weekend. They had recently scored twice against Man United away and tend to stay in games until the end. They have players with quality that can cause issues for the Saints and will make Saturdays match entertaining.