Newcastle United will aim to get back to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday when they make the trip to the St Mary’s Stadium to face Southampton.
The Magpies’ impressive nine-game winning run in all competitions was snapped by Bournemouth last weekend, with the Cherries enjoying a fantastic 4-1 success at St James’ Park. They are now sixth in the table with 38 points—just two points separating them from fourth-place Chelsea.
Eddie Howe should be seeking a rousing response from his boys against the basement boys Southampton, who have won just once in 22 games this season.
Newcastle United Team News
Eddie Howe has given a positive injury update on goalkeeper Nick Pope in his pre-match press conference, stating that the Englishman is in contention to face Southampton. Callum Wilson, however, is still sidelined due to a hamstring issue, but is not far away from a return.
Harvey Barnes has also been ruled out for weeks with a thigh problem.
Predicted Newcastle United lineup vs Southampton (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Nick Pope is in contention for the game on Saturday, but Eddie Howe could stick with Martin Dubravka in goal. The Slovakian has deputised very well in Pope’s absence and deserves to keep his place in the team.
Defence
Fabian Schar is expected to come in for Sven Botman, who was substituted in the 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth. Dan Burn has been a regular at the back for Newcastle and should keep his spot in central defence. They will be desperate to help Newcastle keep a clean sheet.
Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have become mainstays in the Newcastle defence this season, adding energy, pace and solidity from the right-back and left-back positions, respectively.
Midfield
There is no looking past the midfield trio of Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes. While they were outworked and outmanoeuvred by the Bournemouth midfielders last weekend, that should not stop Howe from persisting with them.
Tonali should act as a screen in front of the defence, allowing Bruno and Joelinton to bomb forward and wreak havoc in the final third. Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff have to settle for spots on the bench again.
Attack
Alexander Isak has been in sensational goalscoring form this season, and it will take a brave heart to bet against him not scoring at the home of the basement boys. The Swede will be flanked by Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy, whose pace, directness and flair could cause problems for the Southampton backline.
Will Osula could get minutes to impress off the bench in the second half.
