SOUTHAMPTON VS NEWCASTLE: PREVIEW
- Bobby Vincent
- Oct 26, 2018
- 2 min read
Southampton will be looking for their first home win of the season as they entertain a winless Newcastle United at St. Mary's.
The Saints come off the back of a 0-0 draw with Bournemouth last weekend, as their attacking efforts were again too little.
Newcastle have had a nightmare start to their campaign and sit rock-bottom of the Premier League without a win yet.
TEAM NEWS:
Mario Lemina was taken off against Bournemouth last weekend but the midfielder is expected to be fit for the visit of the Magpies.
Newcastle forward Salomon Rondon and defender Ciaran Clark are both available after their thigh injuries.
Florian Lejeune is their only absentee, with the defender suffering from a long-term knee injury.
MANAGER'S COMMENTS:
Southampton boss Mark Hughes believes his side should have more points on the board and has conceded his frustration.
"Our emotions are based on frustrations in terms of what we feel we should have had on the board in terms of points," Hughes admitted.
"We feel we are a decent side in this league and it is up to us to make sure we get the points on the board which we feel our performances deserve.
"It will be a long process, but we have good signs and a good group who are working hard together."
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez still believes his team can find a route out of their abysmal form.
"To be in the bottom three is always bad news," Benitez conceded. "But we finished well last year. I have hope and belief we will adapt and change things.
"We are very close to the first win - and that win will change everything. We know that we have to do better than three teams this season. That is what we have to focus on. I am confident we will win this game against Southampton."
STATS:
Southampton could equal their top-flight record of five home games without maximum points from the beginning of the 2001/02 season.
Newcastle have set their worst start to a top-flight campaign, with two goalless draws and seven losses in nine games.
Southampton's only loss to Newcastle in their previous 24 home league games came back in September 2004 (W16, D7).
BETTING ODDS:
Southampton: 11/10
Draw: 12/5
Newcastle: 29/10
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