Relegation battling Southampton face top-four chasing Newcastle United at St Mary’s Stadium in a big Premier League clash.
Southampton will remain rock bottom regardless of the result, whilst Newcastle can go fourth with a win ahead of Manchester City’s clash against Chelsea in the evening kick-off.
Team News
Southampton’s new loan signing, Albert Gronbaek might not be risked as he builds up his match fitness.
Aaron Ramsdale (knock) and Kamaldeen Sulemana (hamstring) are doubtful for selection.
Jack Stephens (knock), Tyler Dibling (ankle) and Ross Stewart (calf) remain ruled out.
Newcastle could welcome goalkeeper, Nick Pope back into contention following his recovery from a lengthy knee injury.
Harvey Barnes (thigh), Callum Wilson (hamstring) and Jamaal Lascelles (knee) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Southampton host Newcastle at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday 25 January at 3pm GMT, untelevised live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Southampton are winless in their last six league meetings against Newcastle (D1, L5).
- Newcastle have lost one of their last six league visits to Southampton (W3, D2, L1).
- Both teams have kept eight clean sheets apiece in 45 previous Premier League meetings.
- Southampton have scored one goal and conceded 16 goals in their last four league games at home (L4).
- Alexander Isak has scored six goals in Newcastle’s last four away games in the top-flight (W3, L1).
Prediction
Despite their attacking quality having not clicked into gear until too late at Forest, Southampton deserve credit for their clinical set-piece play but their priority needs to now be on their defensive marking which cost them for all three conceded goals if want any chance of surviving.
Newcastle though will be fired up for this game after they were just utterly outclassed by Bournemouth and unable to really play their usual style, but this is a game where I expect them to bounce back if they turn up and can get on the front foot with a dominant performance early doors.
All pressure however will be on the Saints given their poor home performances in recent league games and I wouldn’t be surprised if Newcastle turn up and deliver a clinical response to last weekend’s loss.
Prediction: Southampton 1-3 Newcastle
Result: Southampton 1-3 Newcastle
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