Newcastle face off with Southampton at St. James’ Park as both clubs aim to distance themselves from the relegation zone.
The Magpies are seven points above the relegation zone with four games left to play. Rafael Benitez’s side must pick up points to continue their push for survival.
Benitez’s team shockingly defeated in-form Leicester City at the King Power Stadium last weekend, 1-0. Ayoze Perez’s first-half goal was all that was needed for Newcastle. The victory ended a two-game losing streak.
Southampton also go into Saturday’s game having won last weekend. The Saints defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers at St. Mary’s Stadium and they will be confident of another win at the weekend.
Nathan Redmond scored twice while Shane Long added a third. Redmond is in fantastic form and a player that can power Southampton to survival. Manager Ralph Hassenhuttl’s team has played well over their six matches as they have won four of those games.
Newcastle lost their last home fixture to Crystal Palace, 1-0. However, the Magpies won five straight home games before that defeat. Twenty-two of their 38 points have come at St. James’ Park.
Only 15 of Southampton’s 36 points have been obtained away from home. Southampton have not been able to find the back of the net on the road as they have tallied the seventh-lowest number of goals away from home (16).
Benitez’s only injury worries are those of long-term absentees Florian Lejeune and Sean Longstaff. Neither will return this season.
Hussenhuttl has reported several injuries in the buildup to the weekend. Striker Charlie Austin, midfielder Matt Targett, and midfielder Alex McCarthy picked up knocks this week and both will undergo late fitness tests.
Centre-back Yannick Vestergaard will also face a late fitness test due to a groin injury. Meanwhile, Mario Lemina and Michael Obafemi are out indefinitely.
Newcastle are undefeated in their last three matches against Southampton. The Magpies have picked up one victory and two draws in that time. Their previous meeting this season ended in a nil-nil draw at St. Mary’s. That fixture was played in October and both teams have improved since then.
The Magpies are undefeated in 11 of their last 12 matches against Southampton at St. James’ Park in all competitions. Newcastle have been on a roll since Christmas at home and Saturday they will pick up another win to move away from the drop.
Newcastle’s defence, which has allowed 21 goals at home, will pitch a shutout against Southampton as they win an eighth home match this season.