Does Southampton’s run of form continue?
The hosts have shown a clear improvement in recent weeks and have experienced a small flight of fancy. The question now is whether this can continue against relegation-threatened Newcastle. But the chances are not bad to get a very important win.
Ahead of the Southampton vs Newacstle game, the betting odds suggest that the hosts are the favourites in this match. The Saints have shown what they can do recently and look steady for the first time in a while.
Newcastle, meanwhile, got off to a respectable start themselves when they held Manchester United to a draw. The Magpies will now be hoping to make reinforcements in the winter to give them a bonus in the relegation battle. The game kicks off at 3pm on Sunday.
Southampton – Statistics & current form
Southampton have experienced ups and downs under coach Ralph Hasenhüttl. Currently, things are looking good for the Saints, as only one of the last five league games was lost. Five points from the last three games at opponents like West Ham and Tottenham also read very well. The team currently looks very stable and solid in its processes and this despite recurring absences and personnel worries.
Ahead of the match between Southampton and Newcastle, the odds of the best bookmakers indicate a favourite role for the hosts. The bookmakers honour the good form, also individually the Saints should have an advantage against the Magpies. Most recently, there was a good 1-1 draw against Tottenham despite a longer period of being shorthanded, and in the table it is enough for 13th place before this matchday.
However, due to the many cancellations, the table is not fully meaningful at the moment. In terms of form and distance to the relegation zone, however, things are looking good for Hasenhüttl’s team. A win against Newcastle would also further distance one of these teams from the aforementioned zone and that can only be the goal.
Southampton: Offensively, there is still some catching up to do
Generally, Southampton’s statistics are not outstanding, 29 goals conceded are solid, 20 goals scored rather not so good. The team’s best scorer is currently James Ward-Prowse, a central midfielder. That says a lot. But in recent weeks the attacking play has improved, six goals in the last three games is more than solid.
More consistency is needed in the forward play, though. Southampton have done well at home this season, losing only one of nine games. The Saints have also only lost twice to the Magpies in their last 20 Premier League home games. So this is an opponent they are looking forward to welcoming. Moreover, the Saints have won their first game in the league in each of the last two years, against top-class opposition. This series should continue.
Ahead of the Southampton v Newcastle game, our prediction is that the hosts will take the three points and reward themselves for the good phase they are currently on. There is much to suggest that the Saints can continue to establish themselves in mid-table in the league.
Predicted Southampton line-up:
Forster – Livramento, Bednarek, Diallo, Walker-Peters – Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Redmond, Elyounoussi – Walcott, Adams
Last matches played by Southampton:
Premier League
12/28 2021 – Southampton 1 – 1 Tottenham
12/26 2021 – West Ham 2 – 3 Southampton
12/15 2021 – Crystal Palace 2 – 2 Southampton
12/11 2021 – Arsenal London 3 – 0 Southampton
12/04 2021 – Southampton 1 – 1 Brighton
Newcastle – Statistics & current form
For Newcastle, this season could yet be a very difficult one. Despite the liquidity after the takeover by a Saudi Arabian consortium, it is not easy to convince new players to move in the winter at reasonable prices. And even more so to a club that is currently stuck in a relegation battle. This is exactly the case with Newcastle, who are in penultimate place with eleven points.
Apart from the financial resources, it is encouraging to see that some progress has been made under the new coach Eddie Howe. Newcastle seem more stable, more courageous and overall more stable. Nevertheless, they only have one point from the last four games, which is too little.
This point, however, came in the duel with Manchester United. Against the Red Devils, Newcastle presented themselves very well, created chances, countered quickly and pressed well. Virtually all the maxims of the style Howe wants to see were displayed by the Magpies.
Newcastle struggle to overcome away woes
There are still many parts of the game where Newcastle need to improve. With 42 goals conceded, the Magpies have the worst defence in the league, along with Norwich City. Furthermore, the team is very weak away from home, not winning any of their games away from home. Against Liverpool (1:3) and Leicester (0:4) they even suffered quite heavy defeats.
Compactness should be the main goal in this game. With a good defence, Southampton can also be confronted with problems. And the approaches against Manchester United show that this is not inconceivable. But the question of balance and offensive relief arises. Therefore, before the match Southampton vs. Newcastle, our value tip is that not both teams will score. Bookmaker Bwin is currently offering a voucher that can be used by both new and existing customers.
Predicted line-up of Newcastle:
Dubravka – Krafth, Schär, Lascelles, Fraser – S. Longstaff, Hendrick, Shelvey, Almiron, Joelinton – Saint-Maximin
Last matches played by Newcastle:
Premier League
12/27 2021 – Newcastle United 1 – 1 Manchester United
12/19 2021 – Newcastle United 0 – 4 Manchester City
12/16 2021 – Liverpool FC 3 – 1 Newcastle United
12/12 2021 – Leicester 4 – 0 Newcastle United
12/04 2021 – Newcastle United 1 – 0 Burnley
Southampton – Newcastle Direct comparison / H2H record
This clash is the 102nd that these two teams have played each other. And so far, no major advantage is emerging for any club. With 40 wins, Newcastle are slightly ahead in the head-to-head comparison, but the hosts from Southampton are on 37 wins themselves and can close the gap with a “three-pointer”.
Southampton – Newcastle Tip
Even though Newcastle showed a good game lately, Southampton is slightly better rated overall. The hosts are strong at home, in good form and like this opponent, which is proven by the statistics in home games. In addition, Newcastle are not particularly good on the road.
Based on the statistics and the form of both teams, our tip before the match Southampton vs Newcastle is that the hosts will live up to their role as favourites and win this match.
