FIFA 19 simulation predicts a Newcastle United 2-0 win over So’ton

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 10: Kenedy of Newcastle United is challenged by Dusan Tadic of Southampton during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St. James Park on March 10, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 10: Kenedy of Newcastle United is challenged by Dusan Tadic of Southampton during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St. James Park on March 10, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United could be set for their first win of the season today, according to a FIFA 19 simulation.

Ahead of today’s match between Newcastle United and Southampton, we let FIFA 19 give us a preview of the fixture.

Southampton’s lineup was unchanged from their 0-0 draw vs. Bournemouth last week. For the Newcastle United starting XI, it was a compilation of our staff predictions. That gave us a 4-2-3-1 formation featuring: Dubravka, Yedlin, Lascelles, Fernandez, Dummett, Ki, Shelvey, Ritchie, Perez, Kenedy, and Muto.

It was a dream start for the Magpies with an unlikely hero providing a 4th-minute goal. Matt Ritchie fired in a cross that went right over Yoshinori Muto’s head, but Paul Dummett was there unmarked to blast home the ball at the far post.

After falling behind early at home, the Saints pressed the action. Charlie Austin got the first quality look for Southampton as he blasted a volley on frame, but Martin Dubravka parried it away. Another cross into the area forced an acrobatic clearance from Jamaal Lascelles.

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Ki Sung-yueng would put two efforts on goal, both deflected out for corner kicks. At the break, the Toon held a 1-0 lead, despite possessing less of the ball. They did have more shots and shots on target.

Mohamed Diame replaced Ayoze Perez to start the second half and immediately made a massive impact. Intercepting the ball at mid-pitch, he fired a long through ball to Kenedy. The winger beat the onrushing goalkeeper to give Newcastle United a 2-0 advantage. He scored a brace last season vs. So’ton.

There was a nervy moment around the hour mark. A Southampton cross floated towards the far post, requiring an awkward punch from Dubravka. Salomon Rondon would make his return as a late substitute, alongside Christian Atsu. Both players would keep the pressure on Southampton and prevent a comeback.

Newcastle United took the 2-0 win and Kenedy was the highest rated player for the Toon. Ki and Jonjo Shelvey combined for an epic passing game, only missing on three passes between them.