Newcastle United vs Southampton: Match Preview
Southampton make their longest trip of the season this weekend as they visit Newcastle United in the Premier League in a crucial contest.
The sides have just one point between them in the league which highlights just how important this encounter is for the two relegation strugglers.
Southampton come into the game following a disappointing 0-0 draw at St Mary’s Stadium against Stoke City last weekend. As for Newcastle, they were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Liverpool at Anfield.
The draw for the Saints last weekend was one of real disappointment as they continue to struggle this season, having claimed just five wins in the league.
Both sides come into the game in identical form, having picked up six points from their last five matches, with both winning once, drawing three times and tasting defeat on one respective occasion.
This is set to be a really tight game between two evenly matches sides in the Premier League. It could well come down to a moment of brilliance.
Saints have improved on the road of late and have picked up 12 points on their travels from 13 away games to date.
As for Newcastle, they have claimed just 16 points at home in the league from the same amount of games and will be targeting this as one which they have to win.
The two sides met earlier in the season and played out an exciting 2-2 draw at St Mary’s in October in the Premier League, with Manolo Gabbiadini netting both on the day for Saints.
Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino has sat down and spoken to the media ahead of his side’s crucial game in the North East, saying that he knows the importance of every game between now and then end of the season. As quoted by the Daily Echo, Pellegrino said:
I think every single game from now thinking about the next nine games will be massive because we have to try to do our job as soon as possible.
We have to be focussed on what we have to do on the pitch – how we attack, how we defend, how balanced is our mentality in good moments and difficult moments. The team is conscious about how we need to be in this moment, how we approach this situation and we are ready to compete.
In terms of team news, Saints continue to be without striker Charlie Austin as he recovers from a long-term injury which has kept him out since December. Maya Yoshida and Steven Davis have both been ruled out by the Saints boss as the team prepare for the trip to St James Park.
As for Newcastle, Islam Slimani remains out with a thigh injury whilst Jonjo Shelvey is facing a race against time to be fit for the game.
I expect this to be another incredibly tight game between two very evenly matched sides. The home advantage could make all the difference unless Saints are unable to turn their fortunes around.
I feel that this game will end up 1-1 on Saturday afternoon.