Newcastle vs Southampton Prediction: 18/8/2024

Newcastle will not participate in European competitions this season after finishing 7th in the league last year. This outcome was somewhat expected, especially considering their involvement in the Champions League, where they were eliminated in the group stage, often referred to as the “group of death.”

Despite this, Newcastle ended the season strongly, with only two losses against Manchester United (3-2) and Crystal Palace (2-0), while securing significant wins over Tottenham (4-0), West Ham (4-3), and Brentford (4-2) among six victories, two draws, and two defeats in their last 10 matches. For their preseason, the Magpies started with victories against Hull City (2-0) and Urawa Reds (4-1), and they are set to face Yokohama, Girona, and Brest next.

Southampton faced challenges last season in the Championship, with three losses in their final four matches, preventing them from securing direct promotion and forcing them into the playoffs. After a goalless draw away to West Brom, the Saints won 3-1 at home, then edged Leeds 1-0 in the final to secure promotion.

As they return to the Premier League, Southampton has shown promise in their preseason, winning against Eastleigh (7-1), Bordeaux (3-2), and Montpellier (3-1) before a 2-0 defeat to Oxford. They still have preseason matches against Millwall, Lazio, and Getafe.

Newcastle has bolstered their defense with the free transfer of Lloyd Kelly (from Bournemouth) and permanently signing Lewis Hall from Chelsea after a loan, as well as acquiring goalkeeper Vlachodimos from Nottingham. However, young talents Anderson and Minteh have left for Nottingham and Brighton, respectively. Key players remain, including defenders Schar, Trippier, Botman, and captain Lascelles (though Botman and Lascelles are currently injured), midfielder Guimaraes (with Tonali still suspended), and forwards like Gordon (11 goals, 10 assists last season) and the prolific Isak (21 goals).

For a newly-promoted side, Southampton’s squad looks solid. They welcome back loan players like Carlos Alcaraz, Paul Onuachu, and Bella-Kotchap, and have made key signings, including young defenders Harwood-Bellis, Nathan Wood, and Ronnie Edwards. The defense is further strengthened by full-backs Sugawara (from PSV) and Taylor (from Burnley), and experienced midfielder Adam Lallana joins from Brighton.

Additionally, attackers Brereton Diaz (from Villarreal) and Sugawara (from AZ Alkmaar) add depth to an attack that already includes Bednarek, captain Stephens, Charles, Aribo, Sulemana (formerly of Rennes), Ross Stewart, Frenchman Mara, and Adam Armstrong (who scored 24 goals and 13 assists in the Championship last season).

 

Prediction

Five of Newcastle’s last six Premier League matches have featured at least two goals, making them an entertaining team to watch recently. Similarly, Southampton’s away games in the Championship have seen over 2.5 goals in eight of their last ten matches. This matchup is expected to be another high-scoring affair.

Prediction: Newcastle 2 : 2 Southampton