This decision would provide Newcastle with major boost vs. Southampton

Newcastle United have clearly altered their style of play as they are much more active and entertaining in the final third, but there are still a few issues to sort out. Wasted chances early on in the last game opened the door for Crystal Palace, who scored two quick goals in the first half and then proceeded to park the bus.

Defensive awareness is still an issue, especially on set pieces, but the Magpies also need to find ways to break down the opposition with more effective ball movement closer to goal when they defend in large numbers.

Having played as a team that defends like a bunker for as long as they have, the ability to break down ultra-defensive opposition will take some time, but there is one thing Steve Bruce can do to accelerate that transition. After coming off the bench in the last four games, Allan Saint-Maximin needs to start.

The club has been cautious with his comeback after dealing with long-term COVID symptoms, but he is ready to go. The dynamic Frenchman has provided Newcastle United with instant offense in each of the last four games, but if the Toon want all three points on Saturday, Saint-Maximin needs to be on the pitch from the opening whistle.

“Saint-Maximin, on the wing, and he got one man down just by being him” – Mick C

The attacking quartet of Callum Wilson, Miguel Almiron, Ryan Fraser, and Allan Saint-Maximin is the best final third combination the team has had in years. However, due to injuries, the outbreak of the pandemic, and some clueless team selections from Bruce, these four players have only started one game together all season against Wolverhampton (1-1).

Despite playing together in that game, Bruce deployed a defensive shape, so it was useless. Now that the team is pressing high and creating 18.6 chances per game (over the last three) it would be exciting to see how lethal that attacking group can be.

Southampton have lost their last four Premier League games, with their last result being a 9-0 thrashing by Manchester United. The Saints will surely be looking to bounce back against the Magpies, but Newcastle United are also in the hunt for developing some consistency. The key to that objective is starting Allan Saint-Maximin for the first time since November 21st.