Southampton vs Newcastle United: Pre-match talking points

By Marc Walker | Oct 27, 2018

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 15: Mario Lemina of Southampton evades Ayoze Perez of Newcastle United 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: Nathan Redmond of Southampton evades Matt Ritchie of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Southampton and Newcastle United at St Mary’s Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Southampton return to St Mary’s this weekend to face Newcastle United in what could prove to be a vital game for both clubs.

Both sides have had a poor start to the season and currently sit 16th and 20th respectively in the Premier League table.

Their fixture lists couldn’t have been much more different. Rafa Benitez’s Magpies have had to face Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs within the first nine games, whilst Saints have struggled with comparatively easier matches.

Today’s clash has been billed as an early-season six-pointer and a win for either side could provide a huge boost to survival hopes.

Here are three pre-match talking points ahead of the game: