Newcastle United will lock horns with Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium on Friday night hoping to grind out a result on the road. The Magpies managed to secure an impressive 2-1 win over Everton last weekend which will give them a lot of confidence heading into this week’s encounter versus the Saints.
Steve Bruce will opt for a 3-5-1-1 formation and might be inclined to name an unchanged side for this upcoming clash at the south coast of England.
3-5-1-1 Newcastle United Predicted Lineup To Face Southampton
Defence
Karl Darlow will play as Newcastle’s first-choice keeper after conceding two goals in his past two outings in the English first division. Bruce could choose to opt for a back three of Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles and Federico Fernandez as they try to neutralise the threat of Southampton’s Shane Long and Che Adams during the 90 minutes.
All three defenders need to be at their best if they are to have any chance of securing a clean sheet at the St. Mary’s. Javier Manquillo will make up the numbers on the Magpies bench but could come on to make an impact in the second 45 minutes if needed.
Midfield
Jeff Hendrick will anchor the midfield along with Sean Longstaff while Miguel Almiron looks to make some driving runs in the opposition half. All three Newcastle midfielders have to figure out a way to deal with the high Southampton press and play some inviting passes to the front players on the counter.
Jamal Lewis will be a nailed-on starter down the left flank while Jacob Murphy fills in on the other side as a right-sided wide player. Allan Saint-Maximin will be given the license to assume a free-flowing, attacking midfield role as he looks to create some decent openings in and around the opponent’s penalty box.
Isaac Hayden and Ryan Fraser will have to be content with a spot on the bench but might get a chance to influence the game in the final quarter of the match if required.
Attack
Callum Wilson will once again operate as the lone centre-forward up top. The English striker scored a brace versus the Toffees last weekend which will keep him in high spirits going into this week’s showdown versus Ralph Hasenhüttl’s men.
Andy Carroll and Joelinton will be available for selection on Bruce’s bench.
