Newcastle United will make the long trip down to Southampton on Saturday for a vitally important Premier League clash at St. Mary’s.
Saints are currently 13th – one place and two points ahead of Newcastle – and both clubs are in danger of getting sucked into the relegation battle in the coming weeks.
Southampton already escaped the bottom three earlier in the campaign thanks to a remarkable run a couple of months ago. But Ralph Hassenhutl’s side have four of their last six league games and have dropped down the table once again.
Saints got the better of Aston Villa a fortnight ago, but a disappointing 3-1 defeat to West Ham last time out exposed the team’s defensive frailties. Despite enjoying the lion’s share of the possession at the London Stadium, Southampton failed to make the most of their opportunities.
However, the visit of off-form Newcastle provides Saints with an excellent chance to get back on track and steer clear of the relegation zone.
The Magpies are without a win in their previous six league games and come into this match sitting just five points clear of the bottom three.
Newcastle have failed to score in any of their last four Premier League outings, but a 3-2 FA Cup victory over West Brom in midweek proved that Steve Bruce’s side knows where the back of the net it.
Miguel Almiron bagged a brace against the baggies, while Valentino Lazaro also got on the scoresheet on Tuesday. Almiron is now the club’s top scorer this season with six goals in all competitions.
Bruce’s men may not score too many goals, but Newcastle are tough to break down. The Magpies have only lost two of their last 12 games in all competitions.
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Newcastle have also avoided defeat in their last five meetings with Southampton. Saints haven’t beaten Newcastle since 2016, with the Toon Army recording two wins and three draws since then.
Southampton’s team news is unchanged as Nathan Redmond is the club’s only injury concern. Top scorer Danny Ings is expected to return to the lineup after starting on the bench last weekend.
As for Newcastle, it’s unclear whether star winger Allan Saint-Maximin will be fit enough to feature at St. Mary’s, but striker Andy Carroll is nearing a return to the team.
It’s worth pointing out that both teams have scored in 20 of the Southampton’s last 25 home games. Saints score plenty of goals, but keeping them out at the other end is an issue. For that reason, both teams are expected to get on the scoresheet on Saturday.
Forebet predicts that this match will be a low-scoring draw. Both sides will be happy to settle for a point to avoid falling further down the table.