Newcastle United need every starter to have a great game on Saturday, but there are three players in particular who need to lead the team against Southampton.
Newcastle United are the most desperate team in the Premier League at the moment and they must transform that desperation into urgency when they take the field against Southampton this weekend. Sitting in the drop zone with an alarming two points, the sole objective for Newcastle is to close this month with a victory against the Saints, especially since they failed to secure any points against Brighton last weekend.
Southampton are also struggling and they will use this match against an under-performing Newcastle side to try and climb the table. This match should be competitive and will most likely end 1-0 for either team due to their scoring woes, but here are three players who must perform for Newcastle to ensure that they depart St. Mary’s Stadium with three points.
Jonjo Shelvey
Jonjo Shelvey has finally come to life for Newcastle United with stellar performances against Manchester United and Brighton in back-to-back matches. Although the rest of the team looks lost and are struggling with their confidence, Shelvey’s resurgence after some mediocre form in previous matches bodes well for Rafa Benitez and his Magpies.
Shelvey is recognized as the best passer on the team and one of the best passers in England, however, he is also fully capable of scoring some goals. Shelvey should enjoy plenty of flexibility in midfield on Saturday and he should emulate his attacking style of play from last weekend to try and score a much-needed goal for Newcastle.
Paul Dummett
Newcastle’s captain, Jamaal Lascelles, has not been the vocal leader we all witnessed and praised last season. With that being said, Paul Dummett should step up and become more assertive on the back-line. The Welsh international defender needs to be aggressive on the wings to prevent crosses from entering the penalty area.
If Dummett can play confrontational defense and obstruct crosses, he would significantly aid Newcastle since Southampton’s strikers cannot create chances for themselves. Dummett is capable of achieving that goal and it would be great to see him be more vocal with his teammates.
Ayoze Perez
Ayoze Perez has failed to impress supporters and pundits so far this season, but this weekend is a great opportunity for him to get back to his scoring ways. Perez could have three or four goals to his name this season, but the attacking midfielder simply lacks precision. The Spaniard is one of the best on the team when it comes to getting in positions to score and he will get a few looks at goal on Saturday.
His primary focus should be on proper finishing. If Perez can be clinical in front of goal and improve his decision making regarding power or placement, then Newcastle can win this match by a disparity of multiple goals.