Three things to look out for ahead of Newcastle vs Southampton
by Sam MacDougall · 17 August 2024, 12:02
With the new 2024/25 Premier League campaign finally upon us, let’s take a look at three things to look out for as Newcastle host newly-promoted Southampton in Saturday's 3pm kick-off at St James' Park.
1. Who starts at right back?
It remains to be seen whether the on-pitch captain, Kieran Trippier, has the required fitness to start the Magpies’ home opener, with the England international missing the majority of Newcastle’s pre-season preparations on account of being away at the Euros. The veteran did however start in Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Brest in the Sela Weekender last Saturday. If Trippier is in fact only fit enough for the bench, it could signify the beginning of the changing of the guards as far as Newcastle’s right back situation goes. Could we see more game time for the far younger Tino Livramento? The former Saint has so far played only sporadically when Trippier is fit and ready to go.
Perhaps this will be the game, and indeed the season, in which the youngster usurps his veteran competition at the right back position.
2. Goals incoming?
In each of our last two opening fixtures of the season, the St James’ Park crowd have been treated to plenty of goals. Last season, Newcastle hammered Aston Villa 5-1, a game in which Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes both got off the mark for the club. The year before, they beat Nottingham Forest 2-0, a game best remembered for yet another thunderous strike from Fabian Schär.
With the strength of Newcastle’s front line, high-scoring affairs are never out of the question; especially after we scored over 100 goals in all competitions last season. Can the Magpies get off to an emphatic winning start yet again? Time will tell.
3. Who will be the main threats for the Saints?
The core of Southampton’s side has generally remained the same as the one that got them promoted from the Championship via the playoffs in May. Former Mag Adam Armstrong has been their biggest goal threat, banging in 21 goals and assisting 13 more whilst playing a part in every game for the Saints in the league last season. Elsewhere, look out for young midfielder Carlos Alcaraz, who recently spent some time on loan with Juventus.
In terms of new signings, Southampton have bolstered their attack with new arrival Ben Brereton Diaz from Villarreal. If he starts on Saturday, Newcastle will have far more to worry about than just Armstrong up front. The Saints also sealed two new signings on Friday, bringing in midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu on loan from Chelsea and Cameron Archer in a £15m deal from Aston VIlla.
(Stats from FBREF.com)
