Newcastle United are predicted to win against Southampton with a score of 3-1.
Match Details
Newcastle United will host Southampton at St. James’ Park on Saturday, August 17th at 3:00 PM BST in their Premier League opener. Both sides will be eager to start their campaigns on a positive note after contrasting fortunes last season.
Match Preview
Newcastle enter this fixture with high expectations after an impressive 4th place finish last season secured Champions League football. The Magpies were formidable at St. James’ Park, going unbeaten in their final 8 home games.
Southampton, meanwhile, are back in the top flight after just one season in the Championship. The Saints secured promotion via the playoffs and will be determined to prove they belong at this level. Manager Russell Martin has implemented an attractive possession-based style that served them well last term.
This opening day clash presents an intriguing tactical battle between two contrasting approaches. Newcastle’s high-intensity pressing game will look to disrupt Southampton’s attempts to play out from the back. The visitors’ ability to retain possession under pressure could be key to their chances.
Predicted Lineups and Formations
Newcastle United (4-3-3): Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon
Manager Eddie Howe is likely to stick with his preferred 4-3-3 formation that brought success last season. The midfield trio of Longstaff, Guimaraes and Joelinton provides a good balance of creativity and industry. Up front, new signing Harvey Barnes may have to settle for a place on the bench initially.
Southampton (3-4-1-2): McCarthy; Bednarek, Harwood-Bellis, Stephens; Sugawara, Walker-Peters, Smallbone, Downes; Aribo; Armstrong, Brereton Diaz
Russell Martin’s Southampton are expected to line up in a 3-4-1-2 system. New arrivals Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Yukinari Sugawara could slot straight into the starting XI. The strike partnership of Adam Armstrong and Ben Brereton Diaz will be crucial to Southampton’s attacking threat.
Injury News
Newcastle:
- Sven Botman (knee) – Out until January
- Jamaal Lascelles (knee) – Out until January
- Callum Wilson (back) – Late fitness test
- Matt Targett (calf) – Doubtful
- Lewis Miley (ankle) – Out
Southampton:
- Gavin Bazunu (Achilles) – Out
- Adam Lallana (muscle) – Doubtful
- Kamaldeen Sulemana (ankle) – Late fitness test
Where to Watch Live?
UK viewers can catch the action live on Peacock. International broadcast details are available on the Premier League website.
Form Guide
Newcastle United: Last 5 matches (all competitions): W-W-L-W-W
Southampton: Last 5 matches (all competitions): W-D-W-L-D
Head-to-Head Record
The teams have met 105 times in all competitions. Newcastle hold the edge with 44 wins to Southampton’s 39, while 22 matches have ended in draws. Recent history favors the Magpies, who have won the last 5 encounters between the sides.
Premier League Standings (2023/24 season start)
- Manchester United – 3 pts 2-20. All other teams – 0 pts
Latest News
- Newcastle have completed the signing of 18-year-old forward Yankuba Minteh from Odense Boldklub
- Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia continues to be linked with a move away, with Chelsea and Liverpool interested
- Both clubs are reportedly in the race to sign Angers winger Azzedine Ounahi
Prediction
Newcastle’s home advantage and superior squad quality make them strong favorites. Southampton’s newly-promoted status means they may take time to adjust to the Premier League’s intensity.
Predicted score: Newcastle United 3-1 Southampton
The Magpies’ attacking firepower should prove too much for Southampton’s defense. However, the visitors have enough quality going forward to potentially grab a consolation goal.
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