Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News
The character of final weekend’s 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth was worrying – we had been so sloppy all through, outplayed and outfought – however this is a perfect probability to bounce again from what was hopefully only a blip.
Regardless of expectations that we’ll win towards a fairly terrible Southampton aspect, I can’t see complacency creeping in given what occurred final Saturday.
Bouncing again is a should towards a Saints aspect who’ve picked up simply ONE level since December and conceded objectives for enjoyable, particularly when we’ve got a run of robust and very important video games over the following month.
After Southampton comes Fulham at St. James’ Park, adopted by a cup semi-final towards Arsenal, an FA Cup journey to Birmingham and a troublesome trio of Premier League video games towards Man Metropolis (A), Nottingham Forest (H) and Liverpool (H).
With Chelsea travelling to Man Metropolis this weekend and the high-flying Forest away to a vastly succesful Bournemouth, let’s hope outcomes go our approach this time.
Howe on our midweek recharge – “It was a great factor [to have a free week], while you look again on the Bournemouth sport, the gamers regarded fatigued. It has given us an opportunity to relaxation a couple of our bodies and minds and get again to work.”
Howe on discovering a response – “We have to study from Bournemouth, we’d like a response. I’ve little question the gamers will reply.
“We’ll go to Southampton completely targeted. Southampton are a proud soccer membership. We must be at our best possible.”
Howe on Pope and Wilson – “There’s a probability Nick might be within the squad. He has began coaching with the group once more. It’s nice to see.
“With Callum, we’re wanting firstly of February. He’s making good progress. We are attempting to do the correct issues by him earlier than he begins coaching with the group.”
Nick Pope might return to the squad after recovering from a knee concern, however Harvey Barnes, Callum Wilson and Jamaal Lascelles stay out.
Sven Botman is ok after feeling some fatigue and Fabian Schar has recovered from sickness after failing to begin our final two video games.
Southampton have confirmed that Toon goal Tyler Dibling (ankle) and fellow hazard man Kamaldeen Sulemana (hamstring) will miss out, with new signing Albert Grønbæk and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale additionally doubts.
(4-3-3): Dubravka – Livramento, Schar, Burn, Corridor – Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton – Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
The one space up for real debate for this one is at centre-back, with Howe compelled to select two between Botman, Schar and Burn.
Burn had a uncommon shocker (as most did) final weekend, however I can’t see him being dropped after such a constant season. Howe commenting on Botman’s current fatigue additionally makes me consider Schar will begin, particularly because the Swiss’ creativity from deep might assist us lower open a normally huge open Southampton aspect.
In objective, it’s Dubravka’s spot to lose for now, so I can’t see Pope coming straight again into the aspect, even when he’s absolutely match now. On the different finish, our midfield and entrance three picks themselves at current, with Willock providing little or no in current cameos and Barnes injured.
An outdoor shout is for Trippier to come back in at right-back. I don’t suppose it’ll occur, however his technical potential in possession is superior to Livramento, who struggled badly towards Bournemouth.
Southampton have conceded 19 objectives of their final 5 dwelling video games, have simply six factors all season and might be with out two of their hazard males in Dibling and Sulemana.
They did mount a slight comeback at Forest (3-0 to 3-2), however I believe this could possibly be the proper sport for us to bounce again and get again on monitor after that horror present at St James’ Park final Saturday. After what occurred towards Bournemouth – an excellent aspect that outdid us in all areas – I can’t see complacency slipping in right here.
Isak and Gordon to have a discipline day in a cushty away win for the Toon.
Prediction: Southampton 0-3 Newcastle
Howay the lads!
