Eddie Howe makes 2 changes in our predicted NUFC team to start vs Southampton tonight

It is going to be a busy period away from home in the coming days.

Although our league position is looking more promising, Eddie Howe will know the importance of picking up more points. We can now start to look up the table and put more distance between us and the bottom three.

Southampton will be a tricky game, as they have a great home record. That said, we believe we can beat anyone at the moment. Below, we discuss our predicted starting eleven.

Martin Dubravka – The goalkeeper is getting back to his best in recent weeks. It is clear that his confidence was hit by his mistake at the Euros, but he has been very good in the last few games. He is the undisputed number one.

Javier Manquillo – This is going to be one of two changes in my opinion. Emil Krafth has been good in the last couple of games, but Manquillo has more mobility and that will be important against the high pressing Southampton.

Fabian Schar – There is no need to change the centre backs. Schar and Dan Burn are building an excellent partnership. It seems odd to have a reliable pairing, but they have been excellent.

Dan Burn – This has been one of the best signings we have made in recent years. Burn is already a leader in the defence and he has helped improve our defensive record. He is one of the first names on the team sheet at the moment.

Matt Targett – This is a chance for Targett to return to one of his former clubs and show his quality. His signing was met with some questions, but it has proven to be a shrewd one. Targett has been linked to a permanent move this month. If he continues to perform as he has been, it will be an easy decision for the club to make.

Jonjo Shelvey – The midfielder was critical of his own performance at the weekend, but he has been key to the turnaround under Eddie Howe. He is likely to be rotated at some point. 

Bruno Guimaraes – It is time to bring the Brazilian into the starting eleven. There have been positives to take from his sub appearances, but he needs to be given the chance to show his quality from the start. Joe Willock could do with a rest in this one. I’d expect plenty of rotation in midfield over the coming matches.

Joelinton – Under Eddie Howe, Joelinton has been one of the first names on the team sheet. The manager has got the best from the Brazilian and this is a game that will suit him against a team that like to press.

Jacob Murphy – This could be one of the final starts for Murphy before the return of Allan Saint-Maximin. He was good against Brighton with his pace causing them a lot of problems. Howe rates him highly and he is likely to be kept in the team for this one. Saint-Maximin will be an impact sub.

Chris Wood – Although there are some concerns about his lack of goals, Howe has insisted that Wood will remain in the team. He is doing a lot of selfless work and the team are benefitting from him being in the side.

Ryan Fraser – We are currently in the middle of a great run of form by Ryan Fraser. He has been excellent and offering a bigger threat than he has previously shown in black and white. His partnership with Targett could be important in the match on Thursday. 

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