Prediction: Newcastle vs Southampton

Prediction: Newcastle win

Best Odds: 31/20

Bookmaker: bet365

The Premier League returns this weekend after some entertaining European action during the week, as a series of clubs in the top flight attempt to pull themselves away from the dropzone. Two such sides are Newcastle United and Southampton, and whilst Cardiff City and Burnley seem to be the two teams that are in the biggest spot of bother, we’ve come to learn in the last few years that it doesn’t matter if it seems like a team is safe with a few weeks remaining – because they can never be sure until the final whistle is blown.

Newcastle

It certainly seems like Newcastle are going to be playing Premier League football next season, but they’ve been stung before. Rafa Benitez’s future is still the biggest question for fans and media members alike on Tyneside, with pretty much everyone hoping and praying that he decides to stay. In terms of what they’ve been producing on the pitch, though, the Magpies are quite easily one of the most inconsistent teams in the division. That isn’t news, either, as it’s been pretty evident all season long.

Team News

Diame should be fit enough to return, with Longstaff and Lejeune being the club’s only other injury problems.

Southampton

If Southampton are able to secure Premier League survival this season, then they could be on their way towards some big things next year. They seem to have a system and a manager in place that suits them for the first time in a few years, and if anyone has momentum in the relegation battle, it’s the Saints. They’ve still got some work to do in order to make sure they don’t have to look over their shoulder anymore, but it doesn’t feel like their fans should be all too worried.

Team News

Yan Valery’s fitness will be assessed after he came off against Southampton, with Obafemi and Lemina both being ruled out through injury.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in October, these two teams drew 0-0.
• Newcastle have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
• Southampton have won four and lost two of their last six games.
• Newcastle have scored six goals and conceded nine in their last six games.
• Southampton have scored 11 goals and conceded eight in their last six games.

Conclusion

Despite the form book suggesting that the Saints are going to be the ones in a position of power here, we still think the Magpies will come away with the three points. We can see them slowing the pace of the game down in order to really frustrate the visitors, and before long, they’ll force their way through with some kind of set piece goal. It won’t be the prettiest of games to watch and it certainly won’t be the highlight of Match of the Day on Saturday night, but at the end of the day, a win is a win.

Prediction: Newcastle win

Best Odds: 31/20

Bookmaker: bet365