Eddie Howe has one big decision to make as Newcastle United aim to return to winning ways against Southampton.
Newcastle were beaten by Bournemouth last weekend, as the Magpies’ winning run came to an end.
The Cherries were simply better than Newcastle, but Dan Burn refused to use tiredness as an excuse.
Now Eddie Howe’s side must prepare to go again and hopefully start another run, as they prepare to take on the club that is bottom of the Premier League. After 22 games, Southampton only have six points and have lost their last five league matches.
But Eddie Howe will not take this game for granted, and this is the Newcastle United starting XI that we predict he will pick to face Southampton.
Martin Dubravka continues in goal for Newcastle United
Martin Dubravka has started the last 10 Newcastle United games, and that should extend to 11 on Saturday.
Last week, Eddie Howe hoped Nick Pope would be back for the Southampton game, with the England international out of action with a knee problem.
However, Pope has not been spotted in Newcastle training ahead of facing the Saints.
With that in mind, it feels likely that Dubravka will start at St Mary’s, as the £4million goalkeeper aims to continue his bright run of form.
Eddie Howe makes Sven Botman decision
The big decision that Eddie Howe must make comes at centre-back. He went with Sven Botman and Dan Burn against Bournemouth, despite Fabian Schar recovering from illness.
The Newcastle United manager then changed things at half-time, with Schar replacing the Dutchman.
That is the change we expect to see on Saturday, with Howe picking Schar to play alongside Burn at the heart of the Newcastle United defence.
No new options in attack for Newcastle against Southampton
In a perfect world, Howe would have a fresh option in attack that he can include against Southampton.
Newcastle United fans would love to sign a winger, but it still feels incredibly unlikely that reinforcements will arrive during the January transfer window.
Therefore, Howe will be forced to stick with his usual front three of Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy.
The latter was substituted last week after going down with cramp, but Howe said the Murphy change was tactical. He has since been spotted in Toon training, as the Magpies prepare to face the Saints.
Predicted XI vs Southampton: Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
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