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Southampton: Team news and predicted line-up for Newcastle clash

By Marc Walker

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 16: Kyle Walker-Peters, Stuart Armstrong and Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton warm up prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on December 16, 2020 in London, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Adrian Dennis - Pool/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 16: Kyle Walker-Peters, Stuart Armstrong and Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton warm up prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on December 16, 2020 in London, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Adrian Dennis - Pool/Getty Images) /
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Southampton make the trip to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle on Saturday and will be wanting to put in a performance of pride.

Tuesday’s 9-0 loss at Manchester United was a severe setback for the Saints but there is no reason why they cannot go on to have a strong finish to what has otherwise been a positive season.

Newcastle may not have injury issues to compare but have been struggling in their own way recently – Steve Bruce failing to win over Magpies supporters and a poor run of form pre and post-Christmas dropping them down to 16th in the Premier League table.

Ahead of the latest meeting between these two sides, some significant team news has been revealed that will provide Ralph Hasenhuttl with a real boost.

Danny Ings, Kyle Walker-Peters and Oriol Romeu of Southampton (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Danny Ings, Kyle Walker-Peters and Oriol Romeu of Southampton (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /

Southampton boosted by the return of key men

Hasenhuttl confirmed in his pre-match press conference that defenders Jannik Vestergaard and Kyle Walker-Peters and midfielder Oriol Romeu are close to a return to action and could be involved vs Newcastle.

All three could still be integrated back into matches gradually but have at least a chance to be involved at St James’ Park.

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Saints also received positive news after their appeal of Jan Bednarek’s red card from Tuesday proved successful. The Poland international will be able to play against Newcastle and could be joined in the starting line-up by new signing Takumi Minamino after his arrival on-loan from Liverpool.

Another minor injury has been picked up though with Stuart Armstrong set to miss Saturday’s game. Theo Walcott, Will Smallbone, Mohammed Salisu, Ibrahima Diallo, Michael Obafemi and Nathan Tella are all still injured, whilst Alex Jankewitz will serve a three-game suspension.

Newcastle may have a defensive injury crisis of their own to face Saints with five players potentially unavailable.

Federico Fernandez, Jamal Lewis and Jamaal Lascelles are definitely ruled out, whilst Paul Dummett faces a late fitness test. Ciaran Clark is awaiting the birth of his child before coming back into contention.

Predicted Saints line-up

Alex McCarthy; Kayne Ramsay, Jan Bednarek, Jack Stephens, Ryan Bertrand; James Ward-Prowse, Oriol Romeu; Takumi Minamino, Nathan Redmond; Che Adams, Danny Ings

Despite Jannik Vestergaard and Kyle Walker-Peters being available again, Saints will surely ease them back into action and give them a place on the bench for this game.

Romeu’s inclusion in the starting line-up is more of a must because of Ibrahima Diallo, Alex Jankewitz and Stuart Armstrong being unavailable.

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