Newcastle United aim to climb the table this weekend, but Southampton will be ready to battle.
Tomorrow’s game between Newcastle United and Southampton may not be a hit for television ratings, but it should be an interesting game between two teams that are evenly matched. Both teams head in to this game with some momentum as they both defeated two top eight sides in Leicester City and Wolverhampton last weekend.
Only two points and one position separate Newcastle (15th, 38 points) from Southampton (16th, 36 points). The Saints need a win to formally avoid relegation, whereas Newcastle need a win to improve their standing in the league table in order to earn more prize money for next season. Both teams are expected to play with urgency tomorrow, but who will come out on top?
What to Expect
Newcastle have been tapped as slight favorites to win this match by multiple media outlets. Playing at home does give the Toon an advantage, but they need to bury their chances in front of goal. The Magpies lost their last home game because of poor finishing, but Salomon Rondon and Miguel Almiron need to bury golden opportunities inside the penalty area tomorrow.
🗣️ Rafa Benítez has been speaking ahead of Saturday's @premierleague clash against @SouthamptonFC and revealed he has a fully fit squad to face the Saints.
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) April 18, 2019
👉 https://t.co/Mf5zX86qQM #NUFC pic.twitter.com/R4FaSRvlfX
Southampton will surely play fearless football tomorrow, especially after scoring three goals against a talented Wolverhampton side last weekend. The Saints have every right to be confident after winning three of their last four matches, which also includes an impressive victory over Tottenham.
Southampton have three players who have scored at least five goals this season, so Newcastle’s back-line must be aware of their surroundings. The Saints back-line will also have a busy afternoon seeing that Newcastle have been a dominant side in front of the Toon Army in 2019. In their last five home games, the Magpies have created an impressive 86 chances, which equates to 17 chances per match.
Miguel Almiron has transformed the way that Newcastle plays and fans should expect Newcastle to attack through Ayoze Perez, Salomon Rondon and Almiron. With three scoring options up top, the Saints defense will have to make quick decisions in the final third.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-0 Southampton
Hot Take: Almiron will score tomorrow!