Predictions Newcastle vs Southampton: Saints could be swept off the pitch

– Newcastle collected 40 home points last season. Only the top three did better
– Southampton have lost six of their last seven away games on Tyneside.
– Recommended use: Newcastle -1.5 in the Asian handicap

Newcastle beat Aston Villa 5-1 at home on the opening day of last Premier League season and would like to achieve something similar when they face Southampton at St. James' Park.

Eddie Howe's side failed to continue their good form, finishing seventh last season, just outside the European qualification places, but they will be looking to improve as they look to benefit from a less congested fixture list.

Southampton will also have to get used to fewer games after being promoted from the Championship, although the increased level could pose a greater challenge for them.

Callum Wilson (back), Matt Targett (calf), Lewis Miley (ankle), Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman (both knees) are out, the participation of Fabian Schar (ankle) is questionable.

Sandro Tonali’s ban ends at the end of the month.

Southampton is relatively untroubled in terms of health, but has doubts about the participation of striker Kamaldeen Sulemana, who is struggling with ankle problems.

Newcastle are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League home games.

The Magpies have scored a goal in each of their last 19 home league games.

In ten of Newcastle’s last twelve home games, at least three goals were scored.

Southampton have lost six of their last seven away games at Newcastle.

The Saints conceded 63 goals last season, the second-highest among the Championship's top nine.

Newcastle took some steps backwards last season but are keen to get back into the top four of the Premier League and can make a positive start with a high-scoring win against Southampton.

Financial Fair Play restrictions have made it difficult for Newcastle to progress as quickly as they would like and there were moments last season when the Magpies' squad seemed overwhelmed.

As the Champions League group stage progressed, Newcastle's injuries piled up and their domestic results inevitably suffered, with Howe's team suffering 14 defeats in the Premier League.

Missing out on European qualification was a major blow, but it gives Newcastle a better chance of challenging for the Premier League in the 2024/25 season.

They are almost always a tough opponent on home soil and may have too much quality and intensity for the Southampton side, whose main goal is to stay in the top flight.

The Saints have returned to the top flight after just a year away, but have lost some talented players in that time and could face a long, tough season that starts with a loss to the Magpies.

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