The nature of last weekend’s 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth was worrying – we were so sloppy throughout, outplayed and outfought – but this is an ideal chance to bounce back from what was hopefully just a blip.
Despite expectations that we’ll win against a pretty awful Southampton side, I can’t see complacency creeping in given what happened last Saturday.
Bouncing back is a must against a Saints side who have picked up just ONE point since December and conceded goals for fun, especially when we have a run of tough and vital games over the next month.
After Southampton comes Fulham at St. James’ Park, followed by a cup semi-final against Arsenal, an FA Cup trip to Birmingham and a tough trio of Premier League games against Man City (A), Nottingham Forest (H) and Liverpool (H).
With Chelsea travelling to Man City this weekend and the high-flying Forest away to a hugely capable Bournemouth, let’s hope results go our way this time.
Howe’s pre-match comments
Team news
Nick Pope could return to the squad after recovering from a knee issue, but Harvey Barnes, Callum Wilson and Jamaal Lascelles remain out.
Sven Botman is fine after feeling some fatigue and Fabian Schar has recovered from illness after failing to start our last two games.
Southampton have confirmed that Toon target Tyler Dibling (ankle) and fellow danger man Kamaldeen Sulemana (hamstring) will miss out, with new signing Albert Grønbæk and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale also doubts.
Predicted line-up
(4-3-3): Dubravka – Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall – Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton – Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
The only area up for genuine debate for this one is at centre-back, with Howe forced to pick two between Botman, Schar and Burn.
Burn had a rare shocker (as most did) last weekend, but I can’t see him being dropped after such a consistent season. Howe commenting on Botman’s recent fatigue also makes me believe Schar will start, especially as the Swiss’ creativity from deep could help us cut open a usually wide open Southampton side.
In goal, it’s Dubravka’s spot to lose for now, so I can’t see Pope coming straight back into the side, even if he is fully fit now. At the other end, our midfield and front three picks themselves at present, with Willock offering very little in recent cameos and Barnes injured.
An outside shout is for Trippier to come in at right-back. I don’t think it will happen, but his technical ability in possession is superior to Livramento, who struggled badly against Bournemouth.
Match prediction
Southampton have conceded 19 goals in their last five home games, have just six points all season and will be without two of their danger men in Dibling and Sulemana.
They did mount a slight comeback at Forest (3-0 to 3-2), but I think this could be the perfect game for us to bounce back and get back on track after that horror show at St James’ Park last Saturday. After what happened against Bournemouth – a very good side that outdid us in all areas – I can’t see complacency slipping in here.
Isak and Gordon to have a field day in a comfortable away win for the Toon.
Prediction: Southampton 0-3 Newcastle
Howay the lads!
Pretty much everyone has nufc winning this st a canter. A response needed by nufc after last weeks dismal performance and it’s certainly a game they should be targeting a win with euro ambitions. We’ll see.
I’m kinda curious why the almiron deal is taking so long esp as his agent seems to like changing things if the last ‘sale’ to Charlotte is an indicator.
Jonesy(Quote)
Miggy on the bench, so he’s not going anywhere right now. No surprises with the team. We have no surprises to offer. 😬🤷🏻♂️
Gilly Toon(Quote)
🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬. Where’s the fu.king defence?
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Bloody hate the Saints
kimtoon(Quote)
Get in Isak
That decision took a stupid amount of time though.
kimtoon(Quote)
isakkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
kimtoon(Quote)
Get inn. A defo penalty for me and now a second. Murphy again with assist
Gilly Toon(Quote)
We are still too sloppy in possession. Need more goals.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Agreed it was a penalty and isak finished that and his 2nd goal very nicely.
Nufc look very flat against a poor Southampton team. This feels like a good team for miley / osula to test their mettle but I doubt Howe will roll that dice.
Jonesy(Quote)
What a goaaaaallllll Tonali
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Sandrooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooget in
kimtoon(Quote)
FFS smart alec move cost us
poss o/s var check
kimtoon(Quote)
Schar you lucky lad, VAR saved your blushes
Another epic amount of time with VAR
kimtoon(Quote)
A good result in the end. Bad defensive error at the end there but luckily it was offside and didn’t cost us …
Some of Eddie’s subs are a tad baffling. Why bring on Miggy if he’s going? Why bring on Willock instead of Osula for Isak?
We will go back to 5th no matter what the result between Chelsea and Man City.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Bournemouth thrash Forest 5-0 😳😳. Didn’t see that coming.
Gilly Toon(Quote)