Newcastle United vs Southampton FC: Preview and Prediction
Newcastle United vs Southampton FC. Two clubs fighting for the same patch of ground in the Premier League table. Both Newcastle and Southampton have desires to qualify for Europe this season making this season opening match extremely important for both.
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Newcastle United come into this match with much change from last season. New manager Steve McClaren will be keen to start the season off strong following last season’s debacle that almost saw the club be relegated from the Premier League.
While the club have not been overly busy this summer, it is now apparent the club have place quality above quantity. The signings of Georginio Wijnaldum, Aleksandar Mitrović and Chancel Mbemba have cost the club a combined £36 million and are expected to demand starting XI spots before the season’s end.
At the complete other end of England, Southampton FC have been very busy this summer. While the Saints did lose star players Morgan Schneiderlin and Nathaniel Clyne to other Premier League clubs this summer, Southampton were prepared for these losses at the start of the summer.
The signings of Cedric Soares from Sporting has already proven to be a quality one. The right back’s performance’s in the pre-season and the club’s Europa League match have made many supporters already forget Nathaniel Clyne’s name in the club’s starting XI.
Other signing by Southampton FC this summer include future stars Juanmi, Cuco Martina and Jordy Clasie. Also added to the club this season are Maarten Stekelenburg and Steven Caulker on season long loan deals.
Key Stats
- Newcastle United enter the Premier League season having gone win less in their last four pre-season matches.
- Newcastle won only seven times at home in the Premier League last season
- Southampton have lost only once in their last six matches against Newcastle United
- Southampton defeated Dutch side Vitesse in the club’s opening Europa League match
Players to Watch
While Newcastle United have some returning players to their first team squad this season, the player to watch in this match for the Magpies will be new arrival and defending Dutch player of the year Georginio Wijnaldum.
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If the Dutchman can pull the strings in the club’s midfield, Newcastle United should dominate against Southampton in the final third. Whether the club can execute in the final third is another question for Steve McClaren’s side.
At the other end of the pitch will be Southampton FC. With the Saints bringing in plenty of new signings for this season, it will be up to an old face to push the Saints onto victory in this match. That man will be Southampton FC captain Jose Fonte.
If the central defender can keep the backline together early on in this match then the Saints could begin to focus on the attack. However, solidifying themselves at the back early will be key to Southampton’s chances in this opening match.
Either way, I believe in this match a winning goal for either side will likely come early or late on in the match. That goal could also be the only one of this opening match of the Premier League season.
Prediction
Newcastle United — 0, Southampton FC — 1