Southampton (A) Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line up and prediction

by Olly Hawkins · Published 24 January 2025, 19:26

The nature of last weekend's 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth was worrying - we were so sloppy throughout, outplayed and outfought - but this is an ideal chance to bounce back from what was hopefully just a blip.

Despite expectations that we'll win against a pretty awful Southampton side, I can't see complacency creeping in given what happened last Saturday.

Bouncing back is a must against a Saints side who have picked up just ONE point since December and conceded goals for fun, especially when we have a run of tough and vital games over the next month.

After Southampton comes Fulham at St. James' Park, followed by a cup semi-final against Arsenal, an FA Cup trip to Birmingham and a tough trio of Premier League games against Man City (A), Nottingham Forest (H) and Liverpool (H).

With Chelsea travelling to Man City this weekend and the high-flying Forest away to a hugely capable Bournemouth, let's hope results go our way this time.

Howe’s pre-match comments

Howe on our midweek recharge – “It was a good thing [to have a free week], when you look back at the Bournemouth game, the players looked fatigued. It has given us a chance to rest a few bodies and minds and get back to work.”

Howe on finding a response – “We need to learn from Bournemouth, we need a response. I have no doubt the players will respond.

“We will go to Southampton absolutely focused. Southampton are a proud football club. We will have to be at our absolute best.”

Howe on Pope and Wilson – “There is a chance Nick will be in the squad. He has started training with the group again. It’s great to see.

“With Callum, we are looking at the beginning of February. He is making good progress. We are trying to do the right things by him before he starts training with the group.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoVtB7R2jmM&ab_channel=NewcastleUnited

Team news

Nick Pope could return to the squad after recovering from a knee issue, but Harvey Barnes, Callum Wilson and Jamaal Lascelles remain out.

Sven Botman is fine after feeling some fatigue and Fabian Schar has recovered from illness after failing to start our last two games.

Southampton have confirmed that Toon target Tyler Dibling (ankle) and fellow danger man Kamaldeen Sulemana (hamstring) will miss out, with new signing Albert Grønbæk and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale also doubts.

Predicted line-up

(4-3-3): Dubravka – Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall – Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton – Murphy, Isak, Gordon.

The only area up for genuine debate for this one is at centre-back, with Howe forced to pick two between Botman, Schar and Burn.

Burn had a rare shocker (as most did) last weekend, but I can't see him being dropped after such a consistent season. Howe commenting on Botman's recent fatigue also makes me believe Schar will start, especially as the Swiss' creativity from deep could help us cut open a usually wide open Southampton side.

In goal, it's Dubravka's spot to lose for now, so I can't see Pope coming straight back into the side, even if he is fully fit now. At the other end, our midfield and front three picks themselves at present, with Willock offering very little in recent cameos and Barnes injured.

An outside shout is for Trippier to come in at right-back. I don't think it will happen, but his technical ability in possession is superior to Livramento, who struggled badly against Bournemouth.

Match prediction

Southampton have conceded 19 goals in their last five home games, have just six points all season and will be without two of their danger men in Dibling and Sulemana.

They did mount a slight comeback at Forest (3-0 to 3-2), but I think this could be the perfect game for us to bounce back and get back on track after that horror show at St James' Park last Saturday. After what happened against Bournemouth - a very good side that outdid us in all areas - I can't see complacency slipping in here.

Isak and Gordon to have a field day in a comfortable away win for the Toon.

Prediction: Southampton 0-3 Newcastle

Howay the lads!