Southampton (H): Pre-match thoughts, preferred XI, team news & predicted line-ups

Olly Hawkins
The definition of a six-pointer, this one. Win and we’ll go 4 points clear of Southampton, but lose and they’ll be 2 points ahead.
 
As Rafa Benitez will tell you, this game won’t define our season, with us having 24 points available to still be won after it, however there’s no denying that this is a huge chance to get closer to where we want to be.
 
Interestingly, Southampton have had such a similar season to us. Both Benitez and Pellegrino’s sides have virtually the same goal difference, goals scored, points and goals against, however Pellegrino’s pre-game comments make me think they’ll have a far more conservative approach to this game than Benitez’s NUFC.
 
Benitez has vowed to attack, but the Saints boss has claimed pre-kick off that both teams would take a point. They’ve won just 1 in their last 16 and drawn 9 of those, suggesting he often sets up not to avoid defeat, not take all three points.
 
We were criticised at Anfield for not having a go and surrendering to a defeat, but I think we’ll be trying to match that intensity and attacking intent shown in the win over Man Utd last time out at St James’. That’s the plan anyway..

Preferred XI

I’d make just two changes from the side that lost 2-0 to Liverpool last weekend, bringing in Ritchie and Perez for Atsu and Murphy.

We need to approach this game as we did Man Utd at home last time out, so playing practically the same side makes sense to me:

Merino looked off the pace at Anfield, but he’s the best options for me (presuming Shelvey does miss out). Hayden is an alternative, but a midfield combination of him and Diame seems far too defensive in a game we should be looking to attack.

Atsu and Murphy started last time out at Liverpool, however both were pretty ineffective and having Perez and Ritchie back in the side will make sense in a bid to replicate the front-foot performance we put in against Man Utd in our last game at St. James’.

We need more from Kenedy, who was sloppy last weekend, however he’s a player who’s far more suited to playing on the front foot – so this tomorrow’s game should hopefully suit him.

Having Gayle and Perez at it could be key. They had great energy and enthusiasm about them against Man Utd and never gave their centre-backs a moments rest. We need that again tomorrow to unsettle a Southampton side low on confidence.

Predicted NUFC XI – (4-2-3-1) – Dubravka– Yedlin, Lascelles, Lejeune, Dummett – Diame, Merino – Ritchie, Perez, Kenedy –  Gayle

 

The Opposition

Here’s a few players to watch out for tomorrow’s visitors:

Mario Lemina – The central midfielder their best player at St Mary’s earlier in the season and he looks a cut above most of their players when I’ve watched them recently. An impressive all-rounder who looks destined for bigger things to me.

 Ryan Bertrand – An England international full-back whose a threat going forward and often their out ball down the left. Ritchie and Yedlin will need to keep an eye on him.

James Ward-Prowse – Aside from Kevin De Bruyne, I don’t think there’s anyone with better delivery into the box than him. We’ll need to be on our guard from set pieces if he starts.

Dusan Tadic – Has plenty of ability but doesn’t always turn up. Could be a threat from the number 10 role. Another one for Diame to watch.

Predicted Southampton XI – (4-3-3) – McCarthy – Cedric, Stephens, Hoedt, Bertrand – Lemina, Romeu – Ward-Prowse, Tadic, Redmond – Carrillo

For an inside look into this weekend’s opponents, take a look at the latest edition of the ‘Opposition Opinion’ . A great insight into this weekend’s opponents.

 

Form

Newcastle – 16th (29 pts) – Last 5 in the league – Won: 1 / Drawn: 3 / Lost: 1

Southampton – 17th ( 28 pts) – Last 5 in the league – Won: 1 / Drawn: 3 / Lost: 1

 

Team news

Benitez has confirmed that he will make a late decision tomorrow on Jonjo Shelvey, whilst Islam Slimani remains on the sidelines, with Huddersfield hit target on March 31st.

Rob Elliot and Jesus Gamez have been ruled out by Rafa today (what is going on with the latter I will never know!)

For Southampton, Steven Davis and Maya Yoshida are out with hamstring and knee injuries respectively, whilst striker Charlie Austin remains a long-term absentee.

 

Match Prediction

Show the sort of desire, intensity and concentration levels as we did last time out at home against Man Utd and I’m almost certain we’ll get the result we need in this one – but doing that against a ‘lesser side’ just isn’t what we tend to do!

That being said, we can see the finish line now and I think Benitez and the boys will be fully focused here and ready to take all three points.

It’s a huge game, but I have faith in Benitez’s calming influence when it comes to these sort of situations. It’s down to the players to deliver, but I think we’ll have enough.

Prediction: Newcastle 2-0 Southampton

Howay the lads!

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

View all posts by Olly Hawkins →

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165 thoughts on “Southampton (H): Pre-match thoughts, preferred XI, team news & predicted line-ups”

  1. Have to win, simple as that and will be very grumpy if we don’t.
    If Jon jo is fit I would have him next to Diame and I would like Merino in the Perez slot Olly, reckon he could do well there.

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  3. Kimtoon and Shamrock: Premandup had a go at me so I think I can answer back using a reference to his own website that he made to me. I will leave it here though and if anybody wants to decide on the veracity of what I said on the last thread they can see for themselves at BYPREM.COM

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  4. My guess is Joselu and Perez to start up front. Galyle held back because he is injured.

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  5. Eric Sykes:
    Kimtoon and Shamrock: Premandup had a go at me so I think I can answer back using a reference to his own website that he made to me. I will leave it here though and if anybody wants to decide on the veracity of what I said on the last thread they can see for themselves at BYPREM.COM

    I’ll give it a miss mate,your take on it will do for me thanks

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  7. kimtoon:
    Have to win, simple as that and will be very grumpy if we don’t.
    If Jon jo is fit I would have him next to Diame and I would like Merino in the Perez slot Olly, reckon he could do well there.

    I would really like that setup to mate

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  8. I want to go with Olly and say 2-0 to us but then I see 27 goals scored for us and 29 for them. Logic says 1-1. But I will go with Olly and 2-0. Howay the Lads.

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  9. I suggest that Mitro goes to the Personal Development Academy. Set him straight. In 12 steps, or with a 25% off coupon, 9 steps.

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  10. Sorry if you think i ‘had a go at you’ was a bit of banter to start with, but it seemed to spiral out of control. Certainly no malice intended or taken on my part.

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  11. Step 1: My life is messed up.

    Step 2: Andrew Cunanen

    Step 3: Jeffrey Daumer

    Step 4: Charles Manson

    Step 5: Meet Prem

    Step 6: Calm

    Step 7: More Calm

    Step 8: Serenity NOW

    Step 9: 25% discount

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  12. Premandup:
    Sorry if you think i ‘had a go at you’ was a bit of banter to start with, but it seemed to spiral out of control. Certainly no malice intended or taken on my part.

    Didn’t like your website mate. Wasn’t my sort of thing.

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  13. Prem: you can settle me down though using your 12 step programme (9 steps with 25% off) so give it a shot. You can do it.

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  14. I don’t use 12 step programs. All I or anyone else for that matter is give you some ideas, and some hints on how to apply them. As one of my teachers said, you cant help anybody, all you can do is help them help themselves.

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  19. Premandup:
    The only one of his I remember is “The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease”

    Uh, what?

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  20. Premandup:
    The only one of his I remember is “The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease”

    That makes about as much sense as you.

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  23. So, you can quote me on this Premandup: My real name is Graeme Stewart and my quote is:

    “I better start drinking, I have some beer in the fridge”.

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  27. I think I said this as well “Lord Henry, you know the price of everything and the value of nothing”

    And:

    “I would love it”

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  29. BTW the site may be ****. As Georgio said it was built by a coder, but then some of the forums and stuff inside is beyond wordpress, although designers were involved. Including the watercolours which were donated by an award winning artist. The courses are good though.

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  33. Premandup:
    BTW the site may be ****. As Georgio said it was built by a coder, but then some of the forums and stuff inside is beyond wordpress, although designers were involved. Including the watercolours which were donated by an award winning artist. The courses are good though.

    The watercolours weren’t that good though. If they won an award I am glad I wasn’t in that competition.

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  35. Probably not. I know your favourites are The Bay City Rollers and I agree with that.

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  45. Premandup:
    In classical I like RVW, Mahler, sibelius. But I was bought up on Bartok, Brubeck and Crimson.

    I saw Dave Brubek in Indiana. Total ****. I hate jazz.

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  46. BTW my 14 yr old Son, wants us to take a holiday on the Tran-siberian Railway, whilst my wife wants to go to Florida to visit her Brother. Decisions.

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  49. Premandup:
    BTW my 14 yr old Son, wants us to take a holiday on the Tran-siberian Railway, whilst my wife wants to go to Florida to visit her Brother. Decisions.

    Munich.

    A beautiful city Walk down to the Izar and your 14 year old can see naked girls. Then, get a car and go to Innsbruck, Salzburg, Strasborug. Italy is about 3 hours away.

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  51. I have been everywhere and that is what I would do. Or force him to do the coast of Britain. He will thank you for it later.

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  52. Its the ugly baby syndrome. I have to say “what a cute baby” syndrome when it/he/she looks like Wayne Rooney. I cannot question anybody’s religious thoughts because it their belief and you cannot question belief. I am not allowed to say Prem’s website is not very good and think it is full of clichéd nonsense? He put it up to make money and even said so by inviting people to join for 10 quid a month to became a “fellow” of his newly created institute. We all have to start somewhere though and I will keep the tenner in my pocket.

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  53. Premandup doesn’t seem to mind what I say so maybe I am a candidate for some of his NEW Institute’s therapy 🙂 Freud started with a dream and now look where we are with every Hollywood actor getting analyzed. Go Prem.

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  54. Eric Sykes:
    Kimtoon and Shamrock: Premandup had a go at me so I think I can answer back using a reference to his own website that he made to me. I will leave it here though and if anybody wants to decide on the veracity of what I said on the last thread they can see for themselves at BYPREM.COM

    Fair enough, but you answered back soooooooooo many times zzzzzz, you’re better than that aren’t you ?

    Eric, Have you seen the assassination of Gianni Versace tv drama ? That Andrew Cunanan was a very strange fruit.

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  55. Did laugh at the ugly baby thing though, very true , though some of the ugliest babes I’ve seen have grown into beautiful adults.

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  57. Thanks Georio. I will be doing other landing pages when I find the right designer. But we needed to get the database and mechanics right on the first attempt.

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  58. Anyway, back to football. Not easy to predict. pressure on us being at home and needing the points. Soton a decent side, but just not firing. A draw would not be a bad result. A win is better. Stating the bleedin obvious.

    I’m still confident we will stay up, and given the resources he has I understand Rafa’s approach. However, setting up to get the best out of Mbemba and Mitrovitch might have been more productive?.

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  59. Tto be honest I think this game will be harder than the M/U game,not all M/U players preformed on the day,these players will imo

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  60. I woke up early to watch Man U/Liverpool. The build up programme said the Fab Four are now the Thriving Three since Coutinho left. That is the most forced metaphor I have ever heard and they said it like it was a thing now. Please tell me it is not. I thought MSN was a stretch.

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  63. Premandup:
    BTW my 14 yr old Son, wants us to take a holiday on the Tran-siberian Railway, whilst my wife wants to go to Florida to visit her Brother. Decisions.

    Something to think about on that trip Florida school shooting: Governor signs bill allowing some school teachers to carry guns. https://t.co/cIAW0Uy52b

    Sedona & provincetown;mass are worth planning a US trip around. San Diego and San Fran too

    Anyhow back to footy , win today nowt else will do

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  64. kimtoon:
    Oh my Rashfords on fire today, another sweet goal, wake up Liverpool

    Do you think the Liverpool players were on a stag do last night? They haven’t really started yet.

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  66. This is a football site isn’t it? Wasn’t sure reading through all that lot… wow..!

    It seems I’m always nervous these days before a Toon game, frantic during it, and then usually pissed off and grumpy as hell after it… I’m in the nervous phase now.. let’s hope I can give the other 2 phases a miss today.

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  71. Does Perez have some candid pictures of Rafa? He’s OK but as a few on here have said why not start Merino as the number 10 at home?

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  72. Could be our best 11. We’ll soon see. My earlier optimism has, as usual, disappeared to be replaced with nerves. Don’t know what I hate the most – football or myself!!

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  74. georgio:
    Eric/Kim – Kenedy looks like a No10 to me.

    He’s played there in his career mate, so you are right there. But I really would like to see Merino get a chance there. Maybe he’s out as he’s still not totally fit, he didn’t look 100% the last game to be fair. It’s a back injury I believe and that is difficult to rectify, it affects all of you cause your gait goes out of kilter .
    When I did my back I was walking oddly to avoid pain and getting in and out the car was really difficult and led to me tearing the meniscus in my knee as a result. Back injuries are big problems.

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  75. DT: we better win today or you will have 21 days of me criticizing Prem’s website 🙂

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