Newcastle United vs Southampton
Date: 20/04/2019
K/O: 17:30
Venue: St James’ Park
TV: BT Sport 1
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Southampton travel to the North East on Saturday with the knowledge that victory would see them overtake the home side in the table. Just two points separate the clubs in 15th and 16th place and another win for each would put them on the brink of mathematical safety.
In a relatively short space of time, Ralph Hasenhuttl has got Southampton playing a style of football akin to the brand they became known for after their promotion to the Premier League. An away win would leave the Saint’s on 39 points, eight points above the drop. This figure would almost certainly be enough for survival, thus affording the German manager a pre-season to continue to develop his squad.
A draw would still maintain a comfortable cushion to the relegation zone, but Saint’s fans and players alike will be keen to guarantee survival at the earliest opportunity.
After Cardiff City’s win over Brighton midweek, a loss for Southampton could see them become sucked back into a relegation scrap which is primarily being contested between the two previously mentioned clubs.
Meanwhile, a win for the Magpie’s would take them to 41 points, meaning they could progress as many as three places in the table. Though more importantly, they could guarantee Premier League survival if Cardiff City drop points against Liverpool on Sunday.
The ever-critical Rafael Benitez may view a draw as a missed opportunity but will likely accept being a point away from the fabled 40-point total he has mentioned so frequently this campaign.
Though a loss to fellow strugglers will not sit well with the Spaniard, especially as Newcastle will then perch precariously above relegation candidates Brighton and Cardiff, with just three fixtures remaining.
Southampton’s chairman Ralph Krueger left the club by mutual consent after five years at St Mary’s Stadium during the week, the latest member of the board to depart after an extensive clear out. Les Reid left his role as vice-chairman in December with owners Gao Jisheng and Katharina Liebherr attempt to refresh proceedings behind the scenes.
During the most recent years of Krueger’s tenure, there has been a noticeable decrease in the success of how the Saints have been run. After previously having been considered a model club, Southampton have faced a significant period of scrutiny, especially with regards to their recruitment strategy. It is not yet clear who will replace Krueger as chairman.
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez quashed reports that surfaced recently claiming he was exploring an interest to manage in France once his contract with Newcastle expires at the end of the season. Benitez said: “The only club I am talking to about my future now is Newcastle” to BBC Sport. Speculation on Benitez’s future will persist until a deal is signed. Though there can be no doubt that fans would be devastated to see him leave his latest project without making the progress he aimed to achieve upon his arrival.
Predicted Starting XIs
Newcastle United (5-2-2-1): Dubravka; Manquillo, Schar, Lascelles, Dummett, Ritchie; Hayden, Ki; Perez, Almiron; Rondon
Southampton (5-3-2): Gunn; Valery, Bednarek, Yoshida, Vestergaard, Bertrand; Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Hojbjerg; Ings, Redmond
Score Prediction: Newcastle United 1 Southampton 1
Both sides have experienced an upturn in form in the latter stages of the season, and there is little to separate them. Expect a close encounter which will likely be decided by a single goal if there is a victor.
