So’ton expert is “hoping to see at least some fight” vs. Newcastle United
Tuesday was a tale of two different losses for Saturday opponents Newcastle United and Southampton. Newcastle dominated Crystal Palace in shots and possession but suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat. For So’ton, they saw two red cards vs. Manchester United and were demolished, 9-0.
Ahead of Saturday’s fixture, we caught up with Saints Marching‘s Marc Walker to preview this weekend’s matchup and see how things are going for So’ton this season.
Newcastle Toons: Obviously, the red cards played a massive part in the blowout loss vs. Man Utd. But, what were some of the other red flags in the defeat and how big will the two suspended players’ absences be on Saturday?
Saints Marching: The 9-0 loss to United really came out of the blue given that we’ve had a season that’s been 10 times better than 2019/20.Saints have been affected hugely by injuries recently – we could have nine players out injured and two suspended to face Newcastle – so we’re blaming it on that and hoping to see at least some fight on Saturday.
NT: Do you expect the club to be extra motivated vs. NUFC after the big loss or will they be down on themselves/lacking confidence?
SM: Saturday is going to be really difficult given that we’re going to have to play players out of position and give a response.Normally I would expect a result against Newcastle, but all I can expect this time around is a response even if we lose 2-0 or 3-0.
NT: So’ton added Takumi Minamino from Liverpool on loan on Deadline Day. How excited are you about his arrival and where can he help this club down the stretch? Think he may debut this weekend?
SM: Saints desperately needed to sign a defender during January and missed out on three different targets on deadline day. Minamino seems like a little bit of a panic loan deal, but he really could add some creativity to our attack for the rest of the season and I’m hoping to see him make his debut this weekend.
NT: Who has been a pleasant, unexpected surprise for So’ton this season? Any major disappointments?
SM: Almost all of our players were showing superb improvements to their game early this season, but those injuries really have taken momentum away.Both are injured at the moment, but Theo Walcott and Ibrahima Diallo have been great signings and are perfect for Ralph Hasenhüttl’s style of play.Another summer signing, Mohammed Salisu, has been the biggest disappointment because he’s not played yet for the club due to, you guessed it, injury.
NT: Finally, what is your official prediction for this weekend?
SM: I’d love to say Saints could battle to a positive result against the odds, but it’s just so difficult until they get players back.My heart says a heroic 1-1 draw but my head definitely says a comfortable 3-0 win for Newcastle sadly.
Next. This NUFC midfielder MUST be dropped from the starting XI. dark
We appreciate Marc’s time and want to make sure you check out the great work that they do over at Saints Marching, the official Southampton blog for FanSided.