Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin has been passed fit to face Southampton this weekend and that could be a concern for the Saints.
According to The Athletic’ Chris Waugh, Saint-Maximin is expected to be fine to face Southampton.
Saint-Maximin was substituted against West Brom in the week after suffering a knock, which made him a doubt heading into the game against Southampton this weekend. However, he now appears set to play in the game after being passed fit.
Saints will now need to be wary of the threat Saint-Maximin poses. He has been impressive for Newcastle this season and currently tops Steve Bruce’s squad for WhoScored ratings with an average score of 7.09.
This shows that he is one of, if not the most, important players for the Magpies and that has been a consistent performer at the top end of the pitch.
He is currently averaging an incredible 4.3 completed dribbles per game, alongside 1.2 chances created per game. Saint-Maximin can dribble past defenders but then also has the quality in his end product to create chances for his teammates.
Southampton’s fullbacks will need to be switched on and stay tight to him in order to limit the chances he can create from the flanks.
If Southampton’s defenders can shackle Saint-Maximin and stop the winger from creating space and delivering crosses into the box, they could nullify Newcastle’s biggest threat.
