An injury-ravaged Southampton will take on Newcastle United at St Mary’s’ on Friday in the Premier League, and will hope to keep their good run of form going.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side were mighty impressive against Aston Villa in their previous outing, but in the end, it turned out to be a pyrrhic 4-3- victory. The Saints will be without some of their key players against Newcastle United, and the squad depth will be tested come Friday.
While Southampton have been consistent this season and have been in good form, their upcoming opponents Newcastle have been pretty inconsistent, and have picked up 11 points from seven games so far this season.
The Magpies do have a good head to head record against Southampton, having won four and drawn two of the last six meetings between the two sides. Hasenhuttl’s side will look to change that at St Mary’s come Friday.
Southampton Team News
Hasenhuttl will be without leading goal-scorer Danny Ings, who picked up a knee injury against Aston Villa and will not available for at least a month. Luckily for the Saints, the international break could soften the blow.
Ryan Bertrand and Jan Bednarek will also be unavailable for selection. While the former has a hamstring issue, the latter suffered a concussion in the previous game. Ibrahima Diallo is also a doubt and he could be assessed before the game.
Predicted Southampton Lineup vs Newcastle United
Goalkeeper
Alex McCarthy has done well in goal for the Saints and he should keep his place in goal.
Defence
Kyle Walker-Peters is expected to start at left-back in the absence of Bertrand. Jannik Vestergaard and Jack Stephens should start at the heart of the defence, with Yan Valery featuring at right-back in the Southampton lineup.
Midfield
Predicted Southampton Lineup vs Newcastle United
The midfield has been one of the biggest strengths of Southampton as the duo of James Ward-Prowse and Oriol Romeu have shown good tenacity in the middle of the park, and have also provided quality service to the forwards.
The duo should once again start in midfield in the Southampton lineup. Theo Walcott and Stuart Armstrong should feature as the two wingers.
Attack
With Ings ruled out, Hasenhuttl will have to choose from Shane Long and Nathan Redmond to replace the former Liverpool forward. Redmond is more of a threat is likely to make the Southampton lineup. Che Adams should start alongside Redmond upfront.