Prediction: Southampton vs Newcastle United

Prediction: Southampton to win 2-1

Best Odds: 13/1

Bookmaker: Betfair

Premier League rivals Southampton and Newcastle United will face each other in the first leg of the Carabao Cup this week. The match between the Saints and the Magpies will be held at St. Mary’s Stadium and is scheduled to kick off at 8pm UK time on Tuesday.

Southampton

Southampton are in real danger of getting relegated from the Premier League at the end of the season. The Saints are at the foot of the table at the moment with just 15 points from 20 matches. Nathan Jones’s side are only two points behind 17th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers, so there is still hope for them to escape the dreaded drop to the Championship.

The Saints have shown some signs of progress and improvement under Jones in recent weeks. Before their 1-0 loss at the hands of Aston Villa at St. Mary’s Stadium in the Premier League this past Saturday afternoon, Southampton beat Everton 2-1 away from home at Goodison Park in the Premier League. It came after a shock 2-0 home win against defending English champions Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup and followed a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in London in the third round of the FA Cup.

While Southampton’s main objective this season is to stay in the Premier League, the team and the fans would welcome the distraction of the Carabao Cup. The chance to win a major domestic trophy could help the team push themselves in the Premier League as well.

Team News:

Mislav Orsic and Carlos Alcaraz could feature for Southampton against Newcastle United. Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott is also ready.

Newcastle United

Unlike Southampton, Newcastle United are having a wonderful season in the Premier League. Eddie Howe’s side have done consistently well, and now there is a very good chance that they could end up in the top four and qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season. Newcastle are third in the Premier League table at the moment with 39 points from 20 matches, just six points behind second-placed and defending champions Manchester City.

Newcastle will head into the game against Southampton this week on the back of a goalless draw with Crystal Palace away from home at Selhurst Park in London in the Premier League. It followed a 1-0 victory over Fulham at St. James’ Park in the league.

The Magpies have not won a major trophy for years, and the chance to reach the final of the Carabao Cup and to win it is something that all Newcastle fans would love. The semi-final tie is over two legs and against a Premier League rival, so the pressure will be huge on the players, but that also means that they will not have to worry about luck going against their way.

Team News

Jonjo Shelvey, Matt Targett and Emil Krafth are not available for Newcastle United against Southampton. Brazil international midfielder Bruno Guimaraes should start for the Magpies. Callum Wilson could start as well.

Key Factors to Consider

• Southampton have won 3 of their last 6 competitive matches.
• Southampton have lost 3 of their last 6 competitive matches.
• Newcastle United have won 2 of their last 6 competitive games.
• Newcastle United have drawn 3 of their last 6 competitive games.
• Che Adams has scored 4 goals for Southampton in 3 Carabao Cup appearances.

Conclusion

While Newcastle United are a better team than Southampton and are in better form, Nathan Jones’s side have been superb in cup competitions so far this season. Playing at home will give the Saints an advantage, and there is a very good chance that they will win the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final tie against the Magpies.

Prediction: Southampton to win 2-1

Best Odds: 13/1

Bookmaker: Betfair