If Newcastle are going to get anything against Southampton, they must stop the red hot Danny Ings.
While it’s been a rough season so far for the Saints, Ings has been the one shining light on the south coast. The forward has scored eight times so far, making him one of the top scorers in the Premier League.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have won back-to-back games, and Ings scored crucial goals in both ties.
With his pace in behind and lethal finishing, the 27-year-old is finally getting back to his best, having endured a horrific run of injuries during his time as a Liverpool player.
Southampton rescued him last summer, signing him on loan. The deal became permanent in July, costing them a huge £20 million. But right now he’s justifying the price tag, and as a Newcastle fan it makes you wonder what might have been.
The Magpies were also linked with Ings in the summer of 2018, as Rafa Benitez went in search of a striker to get the goals he needed for survival. But at £20 million, a deal was never likely. He was also a target in January 2018, but Newcastle instead signed Islam Slimani – a disastrous signing.
Despite multiple links with Ings, he never made the trip to St James’ Park. However, he’ll be there on Sunday, hopefully being snuffed out by Newcastle’s in-form defenders.
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