Both teams know that one more win should be enough to seal their place in the Premier League for another season, with 15th-placed Newcastle on 38 points and Saints just one place and two points behind their opponents. As speculation continues over his own future, Rafa Benitez has confirmed that he has a near fully-fit squad to select from for Saturday's last game. The Toon boss has revealed that Sean Longstaff is "working again and getting stronger", although the midfielder is not yet ready to return. The other major absentee is Florian Lejeune, after he underwent knee surgery this week.
Meanwhile, Southampton head to Tyneside looking for a fourth win in five Premier League games, but they have failed to scored in their last two matches against Newcastle. Ralph Hasenhuttl will make a late fitness check on centre-back Jannik Vestergaard, who has been forced to sit out training this week due to an issue suffered in the 3-1 win over Wolves. The Saints boss has also revealed that he has concerns over Alex McCarthy, Matt Targett and Charlie Austin, but full-back Yan Valery is fit despite going off injured last week. The reverse clash finished 0-0 at St Mary's back in October, but Newcastle won this fixture 3-0 last season - Kenedy scoring twice and Matt Ritchie bagging the other.
Betting Tips
Newcastle picked up a huge win away in Leicester last week to all but cement their place in the Premier League next season. At the same time, Southampton also seemed to have secure their top tier status when they picked up a 3-1 win over Wolves. With five points now separating Saints from the drop zone it does feel like the relegation tug of war is now firmly between Brighton and Cardiff.
Nevertheless, both Saints and the Magpies will be hunting for more points as they aim to finish off the season in style. This is not an easy game to call as both clubs are enduring mixed results of late and the head to head record not revealing any secrets either. With that in mind, the best bet in this game is to back the draw. The last time these two clubs met, the match ended in a goalless draw. While we certainly don’t hope for a repeat, we may be in store for another tight encounter (hopefully this time with goals).
Newcastle United v Southampton
Paddy Power pre-match odds: Newcastle 6/4, Draw 15/8, Southampton 21/10*
Both teams know that one more win should be enough to seal their place in the Premier League for another season, with 15th-placed Newcastle on 38 points and Saints just one place and two points behind their opponents. As speculation continues over his own future, Rafa Benitez has confirmed that he has a near fully-fit squad to select from for Saturday's last game. The Toon boss has revealed that Sean Longstaff is "working again and getting stronger", although the midfielder is not yet ready to return. The other major absentee is Florian Lejeune, after he underwent knee surgery this week.
Meanwhile, Southampton head to Tyneside looking for a fourth win in five Premier League games, but they have failed to scored in their last two matches against Newcastle. Ralph Hasenhuttl will make a late fitness check on centre-back Jannik Vestergaard, who has been forced to sit out training this week due to an issue suffered in the 3-1 win over Wolves. The Saints boss has also revealed that he has concerns over Alex McCarthy, Matt Targett and Charlie Austin, but full-back Yan Valery is fit despite going off injured last week. The reverse clash finished 0-0 at St Mary's back in October, but Newcastle won this fixture 3-0 last season - Kenedy scoring twice and Matt Ritchie bagging the other.
Betting Tips
Newcastle picked up a huge win away in Leicester last week to all but cement their place in the Premier League next season. At the same time, Southampton also seemed to have secure their top tier status when they picked up a 3-1 win over Wolves. With five points now separating Saints from the drop zone it does feel like the relegation tug of war is now firmly between Brighton and Cardiff.
Nevertheless, both Saints and the Magpies will be hunting for more points as they aim to finish off the season in style. This is not an easy game to call as both clubs are enduring mixed results of late and the head to head record not revealing any secrets either. With that in mind, the best bet in this game is to back the draw. The last time these two clubs met, the match ended in a goalless draw. While we certainly don’t hope for a repeat, we may be in store for another tight encounter (hopefully this time with goals).
Recommendation
Draw – 2/1 888Sport*
*prices correct at time of posting and are subject to change
Head to Head Comparison
Newcastle United - Last 5 Matches
Southampton - Last 5 Matches