Premier League: Newcastle United v Southampton preview

A look ahead to this weekend’s Premier League fixture at St James' Park

Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko (GETTY IMAGES)

Newcastle’s mini resurgence, after the closing of the January transfer market, came to a halt at White Hart Lane as a result of a Gareth Bale double. Alan Pardew, however, has seen enough to believe the Magpies can climb up the table although they’re currently four points above safety, level on points with this weekend’s opponents, Pardew’s former side Southampton.

The Saints have also been on a mini good run of form since the shock dismissal of Nigel Adkins, since his departure they’ve drawn twice and beaten champions Manchester City, their only defeat coming at Old Trafford, where Sir Alex Ferguson would describe Mauricio Pochettino’s side as their toughest visitors to date.

Southampton will need to show similar form, as well as the one that nearly took three points from Wigan, if they’re to get anything at a rejuvenated Newcastle.

Kick-off: Sunday, 1.30pm

Past three meetings…

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

Newcastle 1 (Dyer) Southampton 0, FA Cup, February 2006

Newcastle 2 (Shearer, Bramble) Southampton 1 (Crouch), Premier League, January 2005

Stats…

Newcastle, who beat Chelsea in their last home game, will be hoping to record back-to-back St James' Park wins for the first time since April 2012.

Despite their absence from the top flight, you still have to go back to March 1997 for Southampton’s last win at Newcastle, who else but Matt Le Tissier with the only goal of the game.

Even with absence of away wins – Southampton picking up two from the thirteen played since returning to the Premier League – the Saints have only failed to score in one of their last eight games on the road.

Odds…

Newcastle to win: 2.15
Southampton to win: 3.4
Draw: 3.3

TV: Highlights on BBC 1 at 10.25pm