Newcastle United will entertain Southampton at St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon as they try to pick up a positive result in front of their home supporters. The Magpies were held to a scoreless draw versus Burnley but ended up getting knocked out of the EFL Cup after losing on penalties by a 3-4 scoreline.
Steve Bruce will set his team up in a 3-5-2 formation and is expected to revert to his strongest XI for this game. Both Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin should return to the Newcastle starting XI after they were rested in midweek.
3-5-2 Newcastle United Predicted Lineup To Face Southampton
Defence
Freddie Woodman will operate as Newcastle’s primary keeper after he secured a clean sheet against the Clarets in midweek. Bruce will probably name a back three comprised of Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles and Federico Fernandez for this game as they try to keep the Saints at bay during the 90 minutes.
Paul Dummett is a significant doubt for this match, so we can expect to see Emil Krafth and Ciaran Clark make up the numbers on the bench.
Midfield
Miguel Almiron, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock will anchor the midfield for the Magpies as they would be responsible for making life difficult for Ralph Hasenhüttl’s men this weekend. Both Almiron and Willock will also have to find ways to contribute in the final third.
Matt Ritchie will be a nailed-on start on the left flank while Jacob Murphy hopes to give a good account of himself as the right-sided wide player. Bruce will give both of them the license to get to the byline and whip in some inviting crosses into the Southampton penalty box.
Jonjo Shelvey is still sidelined with a calf injury and Isaac Hayden is also a minor concern ahead of this game. Therefore, Jeff Hendrick will offer cover for the midfield positions on the bench.
Attack
As mentioned earlier, Callum Wilson will lead the line for the Magpies along with Allan Saint-Maximin up top. The dynamic duo failed to register a goal against Aston Villa last weekend, so this game could be a good chance for them to get in on the goal-scoring act inside what it set to be a packed St. James’ Park this weekend.
Joelinton and Dwight Gayle will be available for selection on the bench.
