Following on from the midweek fixtures in the Premier League, there are plenty of games to enjoy on Sunday afternoon. One of which takes place at St James’ Park as Newcastle United host Southampton in a match which features two teams in the bottom half of the table.
Newcastle United begin the weekend in 11th place and know if they can win this match and other results go their way they can move into the top half of the league. Southampton are in 17th place, just 1 point above the relegation zone and need to win the match to ensure they do not drop into the bottom three.
The Magpies enjoyed an excellent 2-0 away win against Sheffield United on Thursday night. They opened the scoring in the first half and extended their lead with another goal in the second half as the Sheffield United defence stopped following the raising of the linesman’s flag. Jonjo Shelvey did not stop and found the back of the net in bizarre circumstances.
That victory means Newcastle United are undefeated in 5 of their last 6 games in the Premier League. During that run of games Newcastle United have beaten West Ham United and Sheffield United away plus Bournemouth at home. They have also picked up draws away at Wolverhampton Wanderers and at home against Manchester City, both of which were good results.
Trends show Newcastle United are unbeaten in their last 6 home Premier League matches, picking up 2 wins and 4 draws. However, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 3 league games at home.
Southampton make the trip north having defeated Norwich City 2-1 at home on Wednesday night in the Premier League. It was a big result against the team who are also battling against relegation at the wrong end of the table. The victory means Southampton have won their last 2 Premier League matches, with the other win coming against Watford, also at home.
The Saints picked up a good result in their previous away Premier League game by drawing 2-2 at Arsenal. However, they will feel as though they should have taken maximum points having conceded an injury time equaliser.
Trends show Southampton have been an entertaining team to watch in recent games. They have seen both teams score in each of their last 6 matches in all competitions plus over 2.5 goals in 11 of their last 12.
Team news and Newcastle United are still without injured central defender Jamaal Lascelles and there are doubts over the fitness of Matt Ritchie.
Southampton do not expect to have Stuart Armstrong available for another few weeks following a hamstring injury. Sam McQueen is still recovering from a knee problem.
Both teams are aiming to continue what has been a good series of recent results in the Premier League. It would not be a surprise to see both teams find the back of the net in this game but with home advantage Newcastle United must be considered favourites to win the match.