Newcastle United’s 2021-22 season has not gone well. The Magpies have lost twice in the Premier League while drawing nil-nil with Burnley in midweek in the Carabao Cup. They went on to lost the match on penalties in the cup.
Now, Steve Bruce’s team host Southampton at St. James’ Park as they seek their first points of the campaign. Newcastle United are on a five-match winning streak at home against Southampton and on Saturday, they will attempt to make it six straight wins over the Saints at St. James’ Park.
📺 Steve Bruce spoke to NUFC TV following tonight's Carabao Cup exit at St. James' Park.— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) August 25, 2021
📺 Steve Bruce spoke to NUFC TV following tonight's Carabao Cup exit at St. James' Park.
Southampton have started the season well in patches. They lost 3-1 at Goodison Park to open the campaign. The game started brightly with new signing Adam Armstrong scoring to give the team a 1-0 lead. However, Everton came back to win.
A week ago, Southampton secured a 1-1 draw against Man United at home. It was a game that the Saints could have won, but Armstrong’s late scoring chance was denied by David De Gea. Confidence should be high in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team.
Southampton claimed a win in the Carabao Cup in midweek against Newport County 8-0. The game got out of hand early and Saints’ forward Mohamed Elyounoussi scored a second half hat-trick.
Bruce will stick with Newcastle United third-choice goalie Freddie Woodman for the game. Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow are still ruled out with injuries.
Jonjo Shelvey and Elliott Anderson are both ruled out of the game as well through injury. Isaac Hayden and Paul Dummett are both doubts for the game.
Hasenhuttl’s injury issues are far less than Bruce’s problems. Only one new player is on the Southampton injury list as Stuart Armstrong is a doubt due to a calf problem. Long-term absentees William Smallbone and Sam McQueen are still ruled out for some time to come.
Last season, the home team won the league matches between Newcastle United and Southampton. The Magpies won a wild one at St. James’ Park, 3-2. Along with five goals, the game saw a red card as Jeff Hendrix was sent off in the second half.
Joe Willock and Miguel Almiron got on the scoresheet for Newcastle United. Almiron scored twice while Southampton’s goals came from Takumi Minamino and James Ward-Prowess.
Newcastle United should keep their win streak going against Southampton. The streak should move to six straight wins at home against the Saints as the teams combine for over 2.5 goals and both find the back of the net.