Southampton v Newcastle preview: Rafael Benitez still searching for first win
Saturday 9 April 2016 16:16, UK
Newcastle are looking for their first win at St Mary's since 2004 when they take on Southampton on Saturday.
Rafael Benitez's record as Newcastle manager has seen him lose two and draw one match, and will be wanting to get his first win on the south coast to close the six-point gap on Norwich just outside the relegation zone.
After a contentious 1-0 loss to league leaders Leicester in last weekend's Super Sunday, Southampton are looking to push for a Europa League place.
Ronald Koeman's side are currently six points behind fifth-placed Manchester United and have played one game more.
Team news
Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez will make a series of late decisions as he prepares his squad for Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Southampton.
Defenders Fabricio Coloccini (calf) and Paul Dummett (hamstring) have returned to training but are short of match fitness. However with specialist left-backs Massadio Haidara (knee) and Kevin Mbabu (thigh) still injured and emergency cover Jack Colback completing a two-match ban, Dummett's availability in particular would be a boost for the Spaniard.
Karl Darlow is set to continue in goal with Tim Krul and Rob Elliot both out for the season with knee ligament injuries.
Shane Long will return from knee trouble for Southampton. The Republic of Ireland striker is ready to lead Saints' line, while midfielder Steven Davis will miss out with an ankle issue.
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman still hopes Davis will be fit in time for the trip to Everton on April 16.
Opta stats
Saints are unbeaten in five Premier League games against Newcastle (W3 D2 L0).
Newcastle have conceded two or more goals in six of their last seven Premier League games against Southampton.
Southampton have only lost once in the Premier League at home to the Magpies (W11 D3 L1).
Saints have won more Premier League games (14) and scored more goals against Newcastle (52) than versus any other Premier League opponent.
Ronald Koeman's side have won five of their last seven Premier League home games (D1 L1).
Meanwhile, Newcastle are winless in six top-flight games, losing five.
Indeed, the Magpies have lost their last eight away league games - their longest such run since a run of nine between May and October 1977.
Graziano Pelle has been directly involved in each of Southampton's last five Premier League goals, scoring three and assisting two.
Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored three goals in his last two Premier League games, as many as he'd scored in his previous 18 in the competition.
Merson's predictions
Newcastle have to start winning football matches. They have to have an eye on the Crystal Palace versus Norwich game because if Norwich win, they have to pick up three points.
If they lose and Norwich win, I think that's it. It's goodnight for the Magpies. I watched Newcastle the other week and they've got some good players, but they aren't a team.
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-1 (Sky Bet odds 12/1)
Betting
Sky Bet make Southampton odds-on at 4/7 to pile further pressure on Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez with the Magpies 5/1 and the draw 29/10. The Saints are now 11/1 sixth-favourites to secure a top six finish after last week's defeat at Leicester, while Newcastle are 5/1 to stay up after a miserable run of form. Worryingly for the Toon they've lost 4-0 on their last two visits to St Mary's and it's 22/1 for a third successive defeat by that margin. Soccer Saturday pundits Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson don't offer much hope for the visitors with all three tipping up a 2-0 win for the Saints. See all the match odds here.
