Southampton welcome Newcastle United to St Mary’s Stadium in a rearranged Premier League clash.
Victory would see Southampton stay ninth but move to within two points of eighth-placed Wolves if the latter lose elsewhere, whereas Newcastle will stay 14th with a win.
Team News
Shane Long could return for Southampton after he missed their defeat at Aston Villa last weekend with a knock.
Mohamed Salisu (hamstring) could also feature but Alex McCarthy (thigh), Nathan Tella (groin) and Lyanco (hamstring) are still ruled out.
Newcastle could welcome Matt Ritchie back from a knee injury but the winger won’t be risked until he is declared match fit.
Ryan Fraser is a doubt with a knock which he picked up in last weekend’s win over Brighton and could be rested here as manager – Eddie Howe ponders rotating his squad ahead of Sunday’s trip to Chelsea.
Kieran Trippier (foot), Jamal Lewis (groin), Isaac Hayden (knee) and Callum Wilson (calf) remain absent.
Stat Attack
- Southampton have won just one of their last nine meetings against Newcastle (W1, D3, L5).
- Newcastle have claimed just five points from their last eight visits to Southampton (W1, D2, L5).
- Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse has scored in each of his last two appearances against Newcastle, albeit away at St James’ Park.
- Three of Southampton’s last four league goals at home have been scored after half-time.
- Joe Willock has scored in each of Newcastle’s last two away matches.
Prediction
Having enjoyed a strong run since December, Southampton just simply had an off day in their defeat at Aston Villa where their defence struggled with the Villains’ pace and movement, whilst the attack were sluggish with poor accuracy so expect a stronger display here.
Newcastle meanwhile are absolutely flying on an eight match unbeaten run with confidence which was apparent in their quick-fire clinical attacking performance against Brighton, although their defending has improved after how they weathered Brighton’s late attacks.
I am therefore expecting a physical match here because Southampton will be eager to return to the winning trail with an improved effort, whereas Newcastle are in top form so this could get scrappy if both teams bring their best attacking style and their defences are tight.
Finishing though will be absolutely key but a draw feels like a fair punt given the form of both teams.
Prediction: Southampton 1-1 Newcastle
Result: Southampton 1-2 Newcastle