Newcastle have a few absences to contend with but that's not something they're unfamiliar with after spending most of last season with a half-available squad. Ultimately, there's still a lot of quality in this team and they're likely going to be one of the better sides in the league this season, whereas Southampton could find life in this division pretty tough.
Alexander Isak has been on fire in preseason and after scoring 21 league goals last season it feels likely we're going to see his name on the scoresheet a lot, quite possibly starting this weekend.Another man who's been on good form in preseason is Jacob Murphy, who managed 2.27 shots per 90 minutes last season and could be a good bet to open his account for the season here.T
his is a very hard opening game of the campaign for the Saints and could be a sobering introduction to life back in the Premier League. Newcastle 3-1 Southampton.
NEWCASTLE VS. SOUTHAMPTON: PREDICTION, PREVIEW & BETTING TIPS
As the Premier League returns for another thrilling season, Newcastle United and Southampton face off on the opening weekend in what promises to be an interesting contest.
Newcastle United's performance last season was commendable, securing a seventh-place finish in the Premier League. Manager Eddie Howe did a commendable job in guiding the Magpies through a challenging campaign, which was marred by a series of injuries to key players. Despite these setbacks, Newcastle maintained their competitiveness throughout the season, showcasing resilience and depth in their squad. However, there's a sense that the team could have achieved even more had they not been consistently hampered by injuries.
The summer transfer window has seen Newcastle United make some astute additions to their squad. The signing of Odysseas Vlachodimos, a goalkeeper with experience in top European competitions, adds depth and competition to the goalkeeping department, a crucial area given the long Premier League season ahead. The acquisition of Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth brings versatility to the defence. Kelly's ability to play both as a centre-back and a left-back provides Howe with tactical flexibility, allowing him to adapt to different opposition styles.
Another significant signing is the Denmark U21 striker William Osula from Sheffield United. Osula is a promising talent who they hope will provide backup to star man Alexander Isak. While still young, his potential is evident, and he could prove to be an impactful player in the squad, especially in rotation with established forwards. Furthermore, the permanent signing of Lewis Hall from Chelsea, following a successful loan spell, is a statement of intent. Hall's ability to perform at both left-back and in midfield will be a huge asset.
Newcastle's pursuit of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guéhi highlights their ambition to strengthen further. Guéhi has been one of the standout defenders in the Premier League, and his addition would significantly bolster Newcastle's defence, potentially raising the team's ceiling notably. Should this deal materialise, it could transform Newcastle from a top-four hopeful into a genuine contender for Champions League places.Eddie Howe faces a challenging task in breaking into the Premier League's top four. The competition at the top is fiercer than ever, with the usual suspects bolstering their squads. However, if Howe can manage his team's fitness and avoid the injury crises that plagued them last season, there's every reason to believe Newcastle can push for a top-four finish.
Southampton's journey back to the Premier League has been one of resilience and determination. Finishing fourth in the Championship last season, they secured promotion via the playoffs, a testament to their ability to handle pressure in high-stakes matches. Under the stewardship of Russell Martin, the Saints have developed a distinctive style of play, characterised by expansive possession football. This approach has endeared them to many neutrals, but the Premier League presents a different challenge, and their style will be severely tested against top-flight opposition.
Southampton's transfer activity this summer reflects their intent to stay in the Premier League. The signings of Ronnie Edwards and Nathan Wood, two highly-rated young centre-backs, suggest a focus on building a solid defensive foundation for the future. Both players have impressed at their previous clubs, and their development will be crucial to Southampton's defensive stability this season.
In addition to bolstering the defence, Southampton have strengthened their flanks with the acquisitions of left-backs Charlie Taylor and Wellington from Burnley and São Paulo, respectively, as well as right-back Yukinari Sugawara from AZ Alkmaar. These full-back signings are particularly significant given Southampton's reliance on wide areas to stretch the play and create opportunities.
Offensively, Southampton have made notable additions with the signings of Ben Brereton Díaz from Villarreal and Juan from São Paulo. Brereton Díaz, in particular, comes with a proven track record in front of goal, and his ability to finish chances will be vital if Southampton are to avoid the drop. Juan, a versatile forward, brings flair and unpredictability to the attack, offering another option to break down defences. The permanent signings of Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Flynn Downes, who were on loan last season, add further depth to the squad.
Despite these reinforcements, Southampton are widely regarded as one of the favourites for relegation. The Premier League is an unforgiving environment, especially for newly promoted teams, and Southampton will need to adapt quickly to the pace and physicality of the top flight. Russell Martin's commitment to his expansive style of play is admirable, but there is a concern that it could leave them vulnerable against more experienced and tactically astute teams. However, Martin has shown in the past that he is capable of getting the best out of his players, and his principles will be put to the test as Southampton seek to defy expectations.
WHERE TO WATCH
You can watch this game on NBC in the USA
TEAM NEWS
Newcastle Team News:
Eddie Howe is nervously awaiting a fitness update on Fabian Schär, who came off injured in Newcastle's final preseason friendly against Brest on Saturday.
Sven Botman continues his quest to return from an ACL injury, while the likes of Kieran Trippier, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon may have to wait to return to the starting lineup after a limited preseason.
Newcastle's end to last season was a positive one, with Eddie Howe's men winning three, drawing one and losing one of their final five games. The Magpies secured big wins over Sheffield United (5-1), Burnley (4-1) and Brentford (4-2), while drawing 1-1 with Brighton & Hove Albion and losing 3-2 to Manchester United.
Newcastle's results in preseason have been good, with Howe's side winning four and losing one of five games. Newcastle recorded wins against Hull City (2-0), Urawa Reds (4-1), Girona (4-0) and Brest (1-0) while losing 2-0 to Yokohama F. Marinos.
Southampton ended the Championship season with three wins, one draw and one loss from their last five games. The Saints beat Leeds United twice (2-1 & 1-0, with the latter being the play-off final), as well as beating West Bromwich Albion 3-1, while losing 0-1 to Stoke City and drawing 0-0 with West Brom.
Preseason has been solid for the Saints, with Russell Martin's side beating Eastleigh (7-1), Bordeaux (3-2), Montpellier (3-1) and Millwall (1-0), while drawing 1-1 with Lazio and 0-0 with Getafe amidst a 2-0 defeat to Oxford United.
STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST SOCCER PREDICTIONS & PICKS AT FLASHPICKS
