Newcastle United vs Southampton: Preview and Prediction
Newcastle United vs Southampton. Following Southampton’s first win at Manchester United since 1992, the third placed Saints are set to head north, where Newcastle United and the Toon Army will be waiting. It’s the North against the South when Southampton and Newcastle but heads to secure their positions within the Premier League.
In what can only be described as an up and down season, Newcastle United currently sit tenth in the table but are far from safe. Former manager Alan Pardew left the club to take over at Crystal Palace. After sitting in 20th place for a few weeks, Pardew managed a major turnaround for the club, moving them from relegation to mid-table.
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However, since the resignation of Pardew, the club has spiraled downward. Drawing Burnley after leading on three separate occasions, failing to score in the club’s last two matches, and losing forward Papiss Cisse to African Nations Cup duty, Newcastle find themselves in major trouble if the club wants to contend for a mid-table finish this season.
Southampton come into the game having not lost in the club’s last five Premier League matches and sitting third in the table. Dušan Tadić’s second half goal as well as the superb back line allowed Southampton to take three points from the Red Devils. Captain José Fonte has proven himself as one of the Premier League’s top defenders thus far.
However, losing Toby Alderweireld to injury early on in the match put pressure on the back line to react and carry the added weight. The extent of the injury has not been announced, but any time a player is removed from a match with an apparent muscle injury, missing an extended amount of time is not hard to fathom.
Key Stats
- Newcastle have only one win in their last five matches against Southampton.
- Newcastle have not scored in the club’s last two matches (Leicester City and Chelsea).
- Southampton has defeated Newcastle 4-0 in the clubs last two meetings.
- Southampton have allowed the least amount of goals in all of English soccer (15).
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Newcastle United will be looking for a strong performance from Moussa Sissoko. With no natural forwards on the roster, Sissoko will need a strong performance if Newcastle are to break through the strong Southampton back line. He has on numerous occasions asserted his desire to play in an attacking midfielder role. What a great time for Sisonke to prove that he deserves to play in that spot.
Southampton will look to continue their current run with a strong performance from Graziano Pelle. The Italian has taken the Premier League by storm so far this season, using his excellent first touch and superb striking will be key for the Southampton attack. If Pelle can attract the Newcastle defense, it frees up others to push forward in the attack.
Southampton will need a win in this match if the side wants to keep touch with league leaders Chelsea. Newcastle will just want a good result. Following to consecutive losses, Newcastle needs a good result to keep the side on track for a top half finish. I believe the match could come down to who scores first, with that being the winner and taking the three points here.
Newcastle United – 0, Southampton – 2