Predicted Southampton line-up to face Newcastle in Premier League

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: The Southampton players and supporters celebrate the opening goal scored by Che Adams during the Premier League match between Southampton and Manchester United at St Mary's Stadium on August 22, 2021 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: The Southampton players and supporters celebrate the opening goal scored by Che Adams during the Premier League match between Southampton and Manchester United at St Mary's Stadium on August 22, 2021 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Southampton make the trip to face Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon and they will be wanting to follow up some positive recent results.

Things did not get off to the best of starts for Saints this season with a 3-1 loss to Everton, but a battling draw against Manchester United and a record-breaking win over Newport in the League Cup have produced a positive atmosphere amongst fans.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side do not have the best of records at St James’ Park and will have to put in another good display to take points in front of 52,000 Newcastle fans.

There were a number of Saints players who impressed in the 8-0 win at Newport on Wednesday and it remains to be seen whether some will have pushed themselves into the starting line-up for this weekend.

Mohamed Elyounoussi of Southampton (Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images)
Mohamed Elyounoussi of Southampton (Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images)

Could Southampton boss Hasenhuttl make changes to his team?

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Having fielded an unchanged side for the opening two league games of this campaign, Ralph Hasenhuttl clearly knew what his first-choice line-up was.

However, things are a little more complicated now after the performances of some players in midweek.

Mohamed Elyounoussi proved that he can contribute with goals and assists in English football by scoring a hat-trick and laying on two assists against Newport. Nathan Redmond was also key to a lot of what Saints created, with his driving runs causing real problems.

Another player who got valuable goals under his belt was Armando Broja. The Chelsea loanee produced two smart finishes to get off the mark this season and saw fellow striker Nathan Tella have an equally enjoyable evening.

It seems as if it will be the two number 10 positions that are switched most regularly this season and it is very possible that at least one of Elyounoussi, Redmond or Tella will be rewarded for their cup displays.

Predicted Saints line-up

Alex McCarthy; Tino Livramento, Jack Stephens, Mohammed Salisu, Romain Perraud; James Ward-Prowse, Oriol Romeu; Mohamed Elyounoussi, Moussa Djenepo; Adam Armstrong, Che Adams