PREVIEW: SOUTHAMPTON VS NEWCASTLE

Southampton will want to return to winning ways when they host struggling Newcastle United at St Mary. Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side were beaten away from home last weekend by David Moyes’ West Ham.


The Saint were quite unlucky in their last defeat. Despite having the upper hand in the tie, they went 3-1 one down at the London Stadium. The Hammers took the lead in the 15th minute through Jarrod Bowen. Southampton got the deserved equalizer after the half hour mark. After a good team play, James Ward-Prowse delivered a perfect cut back for Michael Obafemi to score.

The second goal arrived in the 40th minute. Michael Antonio delivered a cross into the danger area. Sabastian Haller won a header against the Saints goalkeeper McCarthy, his persistence paid off when he finished from a tight angle. The Hammers head into half time with a slender lead. Ten minutes after the restart, Michael Antonio met Pablo Fornals’ ball and he finished coolly past McCarthy. Antonio had another chance to extend the Hammers lead but McCarthy spread himself well to deny the striker.

Newcastle United will enter the match on the back of a 3-2 victory away from home in the FA cup against West Brom. Miguel Almiron scored a first half double to put the Magpies in charge of the tie. After the restart, the visitors added the third goal through Velentino Nazarro. Mathew Philips reduced the deficit in the 70th minute. Kenneth Zohore scored in the 90th minute to set up a tense finale. But Steve Bruce men held on to qualify for the quarter final of the oldest cup competition in the world.

Newcastle United last league outing was against Burnley. The match ended goalless. Nick Pope was at his best as he kept his third clean sheet in February.

The Saints have conceded two or more goals in four of their past five overall fixtures, and in two of their prior four appearances at this venue. On that same note, their opposite number have conceded twice or more in three of their preceding five matchups, and in four of their former five road trips.

It will be an evenly contested match, and with both teams having a leaky defense, the match will produce goals at both ends.

 

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