Southampton vs Newcastle preview: Rafa Benitez running out of time to save Toon

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

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez (Getty)

It’s a big game for…

Aleksander Mitrovic: Newcastle’s 21 year old striker has looked the most likely saviour for the magpies since Rafa Benitez arrived last month, scoring all three of the clubs goals under the Spaniard. Unfortunately for the Serbian his three goals in his last two appearances have yielded just a single point for his side who have failed to win a game since February 6.

Newcastle sit 19th in the table, six points from safety and need things to turn around fast if they are to have any hope of retaining their Premier League status. Only Aston Villa, West Brom and Watford have scored fewer league goals the Magpies this season and they will need Mitrovic to continue firing if they are to pick up a result against an in-form Saints side who produced a miraculous comeback to defeat Liverpool in their last game at St Marys.

Best stat…

52: Southampton have scored 52 goals against Newcastle, more than against any other Premier League side.

Remember when…

A Shane Long equaliser earned Southampton a 2-2 draw at St James Park on the opening day of the season in Steve Mclarens first game back in the Premier League.

Player to watch…

Graziano Pelle: Southampton’s top scorer has an excellent record against Newcastle, scoring three in his last three appearances against the club. The Italian has struck up an excellent relationship with Saido Mane of late with the pair combining to score each of the club’s last five goals.

Newcastle haven’t kept a clean sheet in over two months and with Pelle in his current form, it would be hard to bet against him adding to the Magpies woes this weekend.

Past three-meetings…

Newcastle 2 (Cisse, Wijnaldum) Southampton 2 (Pelle, Long), Premier League, August 2015.

Newcastle 1 (Gouffran) Southampton 2 (Elia 2), Premier League, January 2015.

Southampton 4 (Pelle 2, Cork, Schneiderlin) Newcastle 0, Premier League, September 2014.

Form guide…

Southampton: LLDWWL

Norwich: LLLLDL

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 15:00

TV: Highlights on BBC 1 22:20