Unavailable:
Southampton – S. Davis
Newcastle – Elliot, Mbabu, Haïdara, Krul,
Good
Newcastle fans have rarely enjoyed their long
trips down to Southampton in the Premier League era. They have witnessed
implosions from their side, as well as moments of unbridled brilliance from
those in red and white. No doubt the image of Matt Le Tissier running with one
arm aloft sporting the 93-95 Dimplex strip is etched on the retina of many a
Geordie. Then there is the more recent pain. Three consecutive defeats with an
aggregate score of 10-0 at St Mary’s. That record is almost too good for Saints
fans – the inevitable anomaly has to strike at some point. The question is –
will it come this Saturday for Rafael Benítez’s first victory at the club?
The season started at the Bernabéu and will
end in a grim relegation scrap for the Spaniard, and while no one can question
his hunger for management – you have to wonder why he has taken on such a job.
His stock was high following his inevitable sacking at Madrid, and he could
have waited until the summer for another opportunity, but evidently the
challenge at Newcastle was too appealing. You could argue that it is a win-win
situation for the Liverpool boss. If he keeps the North-East side in the top
tier, he will have praise heaped on him from all directions, and have a
prestigious club to re-build before next season. And if the Magpies slip
through the trap door then you can justifiably point to the soap opera that is
becoming more tired by the day at St James Park. It would leave a blemish –
albeit a small one – on his impressive CV though.
That first win is crucial – particularly after
one point from a possible nine in the last three games. Benítez’s new side have
raised their level on occasion throughout those games, and have a degree of attacking
flair, but there has to be more spirit from the spine of the team. Too many
times did they allow Norwich to wander through for a chance on goal last
Saturday, and the Magpies defence was unable to give any protection to reserve ‘keeper
Karl Darlow. The former Forest man has seemed distinctly uncomfortable when in between
the sticks, no doubt suffering second stopper syndrome – when the ‘keeper who’s
on the bench plays no football whatsoever, whether that is in the first team or
with the Under 21s.
You would imagine that this is where Ronald
Koeman would concentrate his efforts – a direct approach going straight down
the visitors’ throats. If Victor Wanyama and Jordy Clasie can get to grips with
Jonjo Shelvey spraying early balls to Aleksandar Mitrović, then Newcastle’s
primary outlet will be cut off, and Saints can retain possession to control the
game. The return of Shane Long will most likely leave the visitors’ rearguard
unsettled, and Koeman’s men need to just pin their opponents in. If they can,
maybe they will add to that St Mary’s aggregate score.
Key
Battles
Long v
Taylor: Steven
Taylor is a Newcastle stalwart, but his involvement over the last few years has
been severely limited due to significant injuries. His stop-start career in
recent times can leave him off the pace when he returns, and Shane Long could seize
on this. The centre-back is slow on the turn, and if partnered with the
sometimes erratic Chancel Mbemba, both could be stranded if Saints pressure the
duo on the ball.
Ward-Prowse
v Tioté: With
Steven Davis unavailable for this game, it could present an opportunity for
James Ward-Prowse. The Saints academy graduate played his part well in the
Liverpool game when he came off the bench to occupy the third central midfield
role. He linked the play together and was clever in his movement to stretch the
Reds’ defensive midfield. Cheick Tioté is another Newcastle player who has not
performed well in a black and white shirt for some time now. While he can be
strong in the tackle, he is often reckless, and does not manage games effectively.
Ward-Prowse should be able to test his abilities on Saturday.
Possible
Line-ups
Southampton:
Forster
– Soares, Fonte (C), Van Dijk, Bertrand – Wanyama, Clasie, Ward-Prowse – Long,
Mané – Pellè
Stekelenburg, Yoshida, Rodriguez, Tadić, Romeu, Martina, Austin
Newcastle: Darlow – Janmaat, Mbemba, Taylor, Dummett – Shelvey (C), Tioté –
Townsend, Wijnaldum, Sissoko – Mitrović
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