Ex-NUFC striker makes shock claim ahead of Saturday's "massive game" at Southampton

During his latest set of weekly Premier League predictions, Michael Owen has said that he 'refuses to believe' that we are a 'relegation threatened-side' despite our poor start - with him expecting us to pick up a point at Southampton on Saturday.

He talks about what a 'massive game' it is for both clubs, but seems optimistic that we won't find ourselves in any danger come May next year - despite him being concerned about our back-to-back home defeats to the Leicester and Brighton.

Here's what he's had to say about this weekend's game on the south coast in his prediction piece for BetVictor:

“This is Newcastle’s worst ever start to a Premier League campaign,”

“My optimism that the fixture list had been instrumental in that disappointing start is beginning to wear thin after back-to-back home losses to Leicester and Brighton.

“United don’t have a good record at Southampton and this is a massive game for both clubs.

“The Magpies had 27 shots against Brighton and I refuse to believe they are a relegation-threatened side. I feel they can pick up a valuable point on the south coast.” 

Given what he's said in his first two lines, it seems odd that he comes to the conclusion that we are NOT a side he feels are in danger of being relegated.

He talks about a valuable point on Saturday, but I suspect there'll be a few NUFC fans who feel it's a game we'll need to win.

Would you take a point at Southampton?