Newcastle cannot stop getting positive results in the Premier League. Eddie Howe’s Magpies are unbeaten in six straight Premier League matches with two straight fixtures ending as wins.
On Thursday, Southampton are aiming to stop Newcastle’s excellent form. The Saints are undefeated in five of their last six games ahead of Thursday’s arrival from Newcastle.
Putting in that work 💪 pic.twitter.com/geNYzemDVF— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) March 8, 2022
Putting in that work 💪 pic.twitter.com/geNYzemDVF
The Saints are coming off of a humbling 4-0 loss away to Aston Villa last time out. Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl needs to get the Saints back to winning ways as they prepare for the FA Cup quarterfinals versus Manchester City.
Newcastle’s excellent form has them up to 14th in the Premier League standings. Seven points now separate Newcastle from the bottom three in the Premier League standings. Of the teams in 13th place or lower in the standings, Newcastle are the only side consistently winning now.
Remarkably, the Magpies are the league’s second-best form team. They took 16 points from the last 18 points available in the division. Newcastle’s defence has improved greatly and only three goals were conceded by the team across the last six league matches.
Southampton are also in good form despite their 4-0 loss at Aston Villa last weekend. The Saints picked up 11 points from the last 18 points available. The Saints scored nine goals and conceded eight goals across their last six matches.
Hasenhuttl could be without up to five players for the fixture. Nathan Tella is ruled out with injury along with long-term absentee Alex McCarthy. Defender Lyanco is also ruled out of the fixture.
Southampton forward Shane Long is a doubt with a knock. Defender Mohamed Salisu is a major doubt to make the team due to a hamstring injury.
Howe could be without six players although the list of injuries could decrease for Thursday’s match. Winger Ryan Fraser is nearing full fitness from a slight injury.
He was brilliant in the team’s 2-1 win over Brighton last time out and Howe will want the ex-Bournemouth man in the starting XI.
Matt Ritchie is a major doubt with a knee injury. Meanwhile, the trio of Isaac Hayden, Kieran Trippier, and Callum Wilson are all ruled out of action.
The reverse fixture between these teams finished 2-2 at St. James’ Park. Wilson opened the scoring in the second half but the goal was cancelled out by Mohamed Elyounoussi.
The teams then traded goals in second half stoppage-time. Allan Saint-Maximin scored from open play and James Ward-Prowse then equalised from the penalty spot before full-time for the draw.
Thursday’s match should be a close affair with Southampton and Newcastle finishing in a draw for the second straight match. Both teams should score goals Each of the last two meetings between Southampton and Newcastle finished with both teams scoring goals.