Southampton (H) Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line-ups & prediction

I couldn't be more proud of these players. The 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa could've caused panic, yet our response has been emphatic.

Not only did we hit Spurs for six in a five-star display at St James' Park, smashing another top-four rival out of our path, we showed our mettle on Merseyside by seeing off Everton 4-1. We struggled in the first half at Goodison and faced a hostile atmosphere, but we went through the gears when we needed to and delivered a masterclass in finishing, making it six points in five days and 10 goals in our last two.

This Sunday, we can't take Southampton for granted. They may have lost 1-0 to Bournemouth in midweek - a result that leaves them six from safety and the favourites to go down - but only last week they scored three at the Emirates. The good news is, it feels like complacency no longer exists at Newcastle United. We look highly motivated, brimming with confidence and hellbent on bringing Champions League football back to Tyneside. I just can't see us taking our foot off the gas.

On a weekend where Spurs play Liverpool and Man Utd face tough games against Villa and Brighton, it's another chance to move another step closer to our European dream. Here's what Howe has had to say ahead of the game, praising the unity

"Winning is everything. I am so proud of everything connected to the club this year with what we've given - players, staff, board - everyone.

"We feel really united at the moment. Things are going well, but we aren't taking that for granted as we know how quickly that can change. We're enjoying the feeling that we're having and long may that continue."

Team news

Allan Saint-Maximin (hamstring) has been ruled out once again and could also miss next week's clash with Arsenal. Dan Burn (illness) could return to Howe's XI, but Sean Longstaff and Joelinton are ones to watch. The former was forced off at Everton after a heavy challenge from Tarkowski, while big Joe complained about 'tiredness' in his hamstring prior to the game.

For the Saints, James Ward-Prowse faces a late fitness test after he came off due to illness on Thursday night and Romain Perraud will also be assessed after he was also forced off.

Centre-back Armel Bella-Kotchap could return, but Mohamed Salisu and Valentino Livramento are expected to miss out again.

Predicted line ups

(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Longstaff, Bruno, Willock – Murphy, Isak, Joelinton.

It may seem harsh on Callum Wilson, but I can see us reverting to the same side that smashed Spurs 6-1 last Sunday.

The busy schedule and Dan Burn feeling unwell before kick-off was probably the only reason Howe made three changes at Everton. With that in mind, I can see Jacob Murphy coming back in for Miguel Almiron - who was loose in possession at Goodison - Alexander Isak replacing Wilson and Burn returning to the side in Matt Targett's place.

Longstaff did come off with a knock on Thursday night and Joelinton complained about 'tiredness' in his hamstring before the game, so I do wonder if we'll see Wilson AND Isak start should either midfielder miss out. Isak could play down the left in a 4-3-3 or just behind our No 9 in more of a 4-4-1-1 (where Willock plays down the left), but I imagine both Longstaff and big Joe will be OK.

Anthony Gordon will be pushing for more minutes, as will Elliot Anderson, but I think they'll be made to wait while the stakes remain so high. If we are leading comfortably midway through the second half, it would be nice to see both come on for confidence-boosting cameos.

Prediction

As stated earlier in the piece, it feels like complacency no longer exists within Eddie Howe's Newcastle United. He simply won't allow for it.

Southampton must be pretty dejected after losing 1-0 to Bournemouth a few days ago, so an early goal could kill off any hopes they may have of an upset and see heads drop.

I'm going for another comfortable win at St James' Park - a much-needed clean sheet for Pope, the unplayable Isak to feast and Willock to also get in on the act!

Prediction: Newcastle 3-0 Southampton

HWTL!