Southampton host a resurgent Newcastle United this weekend as both sides aim for three points in a bid to improve their prospects in the league moving forward. Having secured only one victory in their last five league outings ahead of the tie, Southampton will be keen on moving up the table before the World Cup break whilst the visitors will be looking to strengthen their position within the top four on Sunday.
Having struggled for points this season, the Saints will be keen on securing nothing but three points against Newcastle. With only three points separating the hosts and last-placed Nottingham Forest ahead of Sunday’s fixture, Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side will look to avoid a negative result alongside hoping to improve their displays moving forward.
On the other hand, having been amongst the impressive teams this season, Newcastle will be keen on maintaining their unbeaten run having registered four wins and a draw heading into Sunday’s game against Southampton. Having conceded the least number of goals (10) in the league hitherto, the Magpies will be looking to continue their winning momentum in a bid to remain a contender for a Champions League spot at the end of the campaign.
When & Where?
Venue: Saint Mary’s Stadium.
Date: Sunday, 6th October 2022.
Time: 14:00 GMT.
Match Officials
Referee: Stuart Attwell.
Assistant Referees: Darren Cann, Harry Lennard.
Fourth Official: Simon Hooper.
VAR Official: Mike Dean.
Team News
Southampton
Kyle Walker-Peters and Valentino Livramento remain unavailable due to injuries although Armel Bella-Kotchap and Romeo Lavia are expected to return to the match-day squad with the former likely to be named in the starting lineup against Newcastle. Che Adams is likely to lead the line with Joe Aribo expected to provide additional support across the final third on Sunday.
Newcastle United
Alexander Isak, Karl Darlow, Matt Ritchie, Emil Krafth, and Paul Dummett remain out of contention due to injuries, although both Allan Saint-Maximin and Jonjo Shelvey are likely to be named in the match-day squad. Joelinton misses out on the trip to Southampton owing to a suspension while Fabian Schar is fit to start the game on Sunday despite being substituted against Aston Villa owing to a hamstring injury last weekend.
Match Analysis
With both teams striving to improve their tally of points before the World Cup break, Sunday’s fixture is likely to produce an enticing match-up on the pitch. Needing to significantly improve their results, Southampton will be keen on securing a victory whilst the visitors will be looking to avoid a negative result on Sunday.
Likely to face a defensively resolute Newcastle side, Southampton will be looking to remain in the game for most part of the ninety minutes on Sunday. Reliant on their high press, the Saints will look for turnovers in possession in key attacking areas alongside being wary of the visitors’ creative prowess on the break. Moreover, having struggled to keep clean sheets, the hosts will be looking to remain resolute in defence alongside making the best of their goal-scoring opportunities against Newcastle.
Meanwhile, having netted four goals past Villa last weekend, Newcastle will be keen on maintaining their excellent form moving into the game on Sunday. Expected to utilise the flanks in a bid to test Southampton’s defence, the Magpies are likely to employ a balanced approach; aiming to secure a compelling victory at the Saint Mary’s stadium. With the team having proven to best efficient in their defensive duties, Newcastle will be looking to keep a clean sheet alongside dominating possession during key phases of play on Sunday.
Key Players
Che Adams – Southampton
Expected to play a vital role in the team’s performance, Adams’ strength and movement across the final third are likely to pose challenges for Newcastle’s defence on Sunday. Having proven to be a reliable presence within the 18-yard-box in recent seasons, the forward will be keen on finding the back of the net at the weekend.
Miguel Almiron – Newcastle United
Having found the back of the net in each of his last three league outings, Almiron is expected to trouble Southampton’s defence on Sunday. Boasting notable pace and trickery in possession, the Paraguayan will be keen on continuing his impressive goal-scoring form moving into the game against Southampton.
Predicted Lineups
Southampton predicted lineup vs Newcastle United: Gavin Bazunu; Armel Bella-Kotchap, Duje Caleta-Car, Mohammed Salisu; Mohamed Elyounoussi, James Ward-Prowse, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Ibrahima Diallo, Joe Aribo.
Newcastle United predicted lineup vs Southampton: Nick Pope; Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman, Dan Burn; Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock; Miguel Almiron, Callum Wilson, Jacob Murphy.
