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.
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.
Newcastle United vs Southampton: Predicted Result
Newcastle United 0-1 Southampton
