It’s Newcastle United vs Southampton this weekend, as Eddie Howe takes his team down south in search of four wins on the spin.
The Magpies are big favourites for the game at St Mary’s, but Howe will be very wary of the threat that the Saints can pose.
The Toon boss will be forced to make one change to the side that beat Aston Villa 4-0 last weekend. Joelinton picked up his fifth yellow card of the season, meaning he is suspended for Sunday’s game.
That means one player will be recalled to the Newcastle starting XI, and this is the team we think Howe will pick to face Southampton
Fabian Schar shakes off injury
Fabian Schar is part of the best defence in the Premier League, but has been an injury doubt going into the game against Southampton.
He came off late in the win over Aston Villa, replaced by captain Jamaal Lascelles due to a hamstring injury.
That was a concern, but Howe has confirmed that the Switzerland international is fit and ready for the trip to St Mary’s.
That’s great news, as the Toon boss will be incredibly keen to keep the same back five that has played so well in recent weeks.
Newcastle chance for Jacob Murphy vs Southampton
As previously mentioned, Howe will be forced to make one change to his starting XI. There is a vacancy on the left wing due to Joelinton’s suspension.
There are plenty of candidates for the position, with Jacob Murphy, Ryan Fraser, Allan Saint-Maximin and Elliot Anderson all in contention.
Fans would likely want to see the ‘unplayable‘ ASM start for the first time since August, but that might be considered a risk by Howe. The Frenchman has struggled with injuries as of late, meaning he might be reduced to a second half cameo.
With that in mind, Murphy feels the most likely player to take Joelinton’s place on the left. The £12million man did well off the bench last week, coming agonizingly close to scoring and getting an assist. The woodwork denied him on two occasions.
If he can maintain that level of performance against Southampton then he should be a more than adequate replacement for our rejuvenated Brazilian.
Wilson’s final World Cup audition
It is the final Premier League game before Gareth Southgate announces his World Cup squad, meaning Callum Wilson has one more chance to impress the England manager.
The 30-year-old is in fine form with six goals in nine games this season, and another strike this weekend could take him to Qatar.
There was a fear of illness going into the game for Wilson, but Howe has confirmed that he is available for Sunday’s game.
With the way he’s playing lately, the Newcastle number nine will fancy his chances to add to his tally at Southampton’s expense.
Newcastle XI to face Southampton: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Bruno, Willock; Almiron, Wilson Murphy.
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