Newcastle Vs Southampton Preview: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Key Men & Prediction

Newcastle United host Southampton at St. James’ Park on Saturday, in what will be an important match for manager Steve Bruce, who is already under pressure following two defeats. To compound Bruce’s problems, Newcastle were also knocked out of the EFL Cup on penalties by Burnley.

The Saints, meanwhile, will be in an optimistic mood following their good performance against Manchester United last weekend. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men were also dominant in the EFL Cup, putting eight past League Two side Newport Town.

MATCH PREVIEW

Newcastle United vs Southampton: Team News

Newcastle United: Bruce will still be without his first- and second-choice goalkeepers, Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow. Midfielder Jonjo Shelvey will also miss Saturday’s game, while Paul Dummett only returned to training this past week and may only make the bench. Midfielder Isaac Hayden who was brought off in the Magpies’ game against Villa should be ready for the weekend.

Ciaran Clark could come into the starting lineup after having a decent game against Burnley in the EFL Cup. Bruce could put out a similar team to the one that lost to Villa last weekend.

Southampton: Hasenhuttl doesn’t have too many injury worries ahead of Saturday’s game. Stuart Armstrong is the only major injury worry for the Southampton injury and may face a late fitness test.

Forgotten winger Mohamed Elyounoussi started for the Saints against Newport and scored a hat-trick and set up two goals. He could be in the running to start against Newcastle United, while Walker-Peters could start ahead of Romain Perraud at left-back after a superb performance in the EFL Cup.

Newcastle United vs Southampton: Predicted Lineups

Newcastle United: Freddie Woodman; Jacob Murphy, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark, Matt Ritchie; Isaac Hayden, Joe Willock, Miguel Almiron; Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson

Southampton: Alex McCarthy; Valentino Livramento, Jack Stephens, Mohammed Salisu, Kyle Walker-Peters; Oriol Romeu, James Ward-Prowse, Nathan Redmond, Mohamed Elyounoussi; Adam Armstrong, Che Adams

Newcastle United vs Southampton: Key Men

Newcastle United: Steve Bruce will be hoping that his two frontmen, Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin, can deliver on Saturday as the Magpies are desperate for goals.

Southampton: Captain James Ward-Prowse will be a key player for the Saints on Saturday and could prove to be deadly with his set-piece taking ability as well as his work-rate in midfield. Valentino Livramento has made an impressive start to his Southampton career and his speed on the right flank could cause Newcastle problems.