Southampton vs Newcastle United: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at St Mary's

Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino makes a point (Getty Images)

Andre Marriner will take charge of this weekend’s fixture at St Marys following his infamous blunder at Stamford Bridge last weekend. Mr Marriner will oversee a fixture nicknamed the “race for eighth”, a game that could be a defining moment in both of these sides seasons with just one point separating the two. The Magpies and the Saints are perhaps the only two clubs in secure positions, with pride the main prize they are playing for. And obviously the prospect of finishing above Manchester United of course.

Both sides will be looking to bounce back from humiliating defeats over the past seven days. Mauricio Pochettino’s men surrendered a two goal lead at Tottenham on Sunday and the Toon Army, still under the temporary stewardship of John Carver, were put to the sword by an in form Everton on Tuesday night.

There will be a welcome boost for Newcastle on Saturday, as manager Alan Pardew will finally be allowed back into a Premier League stadium after serving his three match stadium ban, albeit he will be watching the game from the stands. There is unwelcome news however for the Magpies, first choice goalkeeper Tim Krul could miss up to three game after picking up a knock in midweek, Pardew has confirmed that Rob Elliot will deputise for the Dutchman.

Southampton will be hoping that midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin can overcome a muscle problem that kept him out of last weekend’s game at White Hart Lane.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Newcastle 1 (Gouffran) Southampton 1 (Rodriguez), Premier League, December 2013

Newcastle 4 (Sissoko, Cisse, Cabaye, Hooiveld O.g) Southampton 2 (Schneiderlin, Lambert), Premier League, February 2013

Southampton 2 (Lallana, Ramirez) Newcastle 0, Premier League, November 2012

STATS…

Only Liverpool v Tottenham (8) has had more own goals than Newcastle v Southampton (7) in Premier League history.

Alan Pardew was manager of Southampton before he joined Newcastle, winning 34 of the 64 games when he was in charge of the Saints.

There hasn’t been a 0-0 draw between the two sides sinc e December 1972.

There have been over 1.5 goals in 17 of the last 19 league games between the clubs.

ODDS…

Southampton to win: 1.73

Newcastle to win: 5.7

Draw: 4

TV: Highlights on BBC 1 at 10.30pm