Predicted Newcastle United Line-up To Face Southampton In The Premier League
Newcastle United will look to carry on their good form when they clash against Southampton in gameweek 8 of the Premier League, at the St. Mary’s on Sunday.
The Magpies had lost just once in their last 5 league games before the international break and this run of results saw them occupy 9th position in the table. Manager Rafael Benitez will be hoping that his troops carry on from where they left off before. Their last league encounter ended in a 1-1 draw against Liverpool and that will have given Newcastle a boost of confidence, going into this weekend.
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Paul Dummett and Massadio Haidara are definite absentees for the Tynesiders, while there is a slight doubt over the availability of Jonjo Shelvey due to a wrist injury. Wingers Matt Ritchie and Christian Atsu are carrying minor injuries but are expected to be fit and available for the clash.
Here’s how Newcastle United might take the field against the Saints:
Manager: Rafael Benitez
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Rob Elliot (GK)
The 31-year old has fared quite well between the sticks for the Magpies this season and should continue to feature against Southampton.
DeAndre Yedlin (RB)
The American right-back has improved his game a lot under Benitez and will look to seal the right-back spot for himself with another strong display.
Jamaal Lascelles (CB)
The club captain signed a new long-term deal with the club recently and will look to celebrate it with a strong display in the backline against the Saints.
Ciaran Clark (CB)
The Irish centre-half has forged an excellent partnership with Lascelles in the heart of the defence and will look to keep the Saints attack at bay on Sunday.
Javi Manquillo (LB)
With no natural left-back fit and available, Benitez might be forced to use summer signing Javi Manquillo in the position, just like he did against Liverpool before the break.
Mikel Merino (CM)
The Spaniard has slotted in nicely since his summer move from Borussia Dortmund and has established himself as a key member of the Newcastle engine room. Sure starter.
Isaac Hayden (CM)
The former Arsenal man was left out for the game against Liverpool, but given the doubts over Shelvey’s involvement, he might be in line for a return.
Matt Ritchie (RW)
The Scottish winger missed out on the WC Qualifiers for his national team due to an injury, but is expected to be fit for the weekend and should start on the right flank.
Ayoze Perez (CAM)
The former Tenerife man should keep his place in the line-up, in the No.10 role. He has shown glimpses of what he can do, but needs to produce more and on a consistent basis.
Jacob Murphy (LW)
The summer signing from Norwich City hasn’t been able to hit the ground running for the Magpies yet. With Atsu playing through a knee injury, Benitez might look to give Murphy a go ahead of the Ghanaian.
Joselu (ST)
The former Stoke City man scored the equaliser against Liverpool but has often missed a number of chances so far this season. Needs to be more clinical in front of goal against the Saints.