Newcastle United welcome newly-promoted Southampton to St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe’s Magpies will look to fight for European qualification, after they missed out last season due to Manchester United’s FA Cup success.
Southampton meanwhile are back in the top-flight after just one-season absence.
Team News
Fabian Schar is available for Newcastle after recovering from a minor ankle injury suffered in their pre-season win over Stade Brest.
Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles (both knee), Lewis Miley (metatarsal), Matt Targett (fitness), Callum Wilson (back) and Sandro Tonali (suspension) remain absent.
Odysseas Vlachodimos, Lloyd Kelly, John Ruddy and William Osula could be in line for their debuts.
Southampton could be without Kamaldeen Sulemana (ankle), Adam Lallana and Ross Stewart (fitness).
Gavin Bazunu (Achilles) remain absent.
Charlie Taylor, Ronnie Edwards, Nathan Wood, Flynn Downes and Ben Brereton Diaz could make their debuts.
When is Kick-Off?
Newcastle host Southampton at St James’ Park on Saturday 17 August at 3pm BST, untelevised live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Newcastle are unbeaten in their last five league meetings against Southampton (W4, D1).
- Southampton are winless in their last seven league visits to Newcastle (D2, L5).
- Newcastle and Southampton have both scored in 10 of their last 11 meetings in all competitions.
- Jacob Murphy has scored five goals in five pre-season appearances for Newcastle.
- Southampton conceded in five of their seven pre-season friendlies (W4, D2, L1).
Prediction
Derailed by a constant injury crisis last season, Newcastle should take heart and use this season as a reboot with no European action to worry about, especially with top-four now an ideal target if can avoid a repeat of last season.
Southampton meanwhile can’t be underestimated after finding an impressive attacking identity under Martin last season, but they need to be even sharper in their passing and movement if want to have a solid return season in the top tier.
Nevertheless the Saints should have enough quality to give Newcastle some headaches, yet I can’t see Howe’s Magpies losing this at home if they can calmly break down the visitors’ risky out-of-the-back defensive play.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-0 Southampton
Result: Newcastle 1-0 Southampton
Leave a Reply