Southampton faces Newcastle in their 2024/25 opener, in what promises to be a challenging Premier League start for the Saints. The team led by Russell Martin will embark on a 650-mile round trip to face Newcastle United on the opening weekend. The Saints’ 2023-24 season concluded with an overwhelming sense of jubilation at Wembley. Their hosts, however, were left to lament their aspirations of securing another consecutive season in European football.
Newcastle vs. Southampton: Preview
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Newcastle United kick off their 2024/25 Premier League season at home against newly-promoted Southampton on Saturday. The Magpies are determined to bounce back after a challenging 2023/24 season marred by injuries, finishing seventh in the top flight. After a triumphant tour of the Far East, Eddie Howe’s team returned to Tyneside and secured two pre-season wins, including an impressive 4-0 victory against Girona. Newcastle are showing serious intent and Southampton could be their first victims.
Southampton have faced tough international opponents in their pre-season matches, preparing for their return to the Premier League. They emerged victorious against Bordeaux and Montpellier HSC and secured draws against Lazio and Getafe. A fresh batch of players, including the familiar face of Adam Lallana, have joined Southampton for their upcoming Premier League campaign. Their win rate of 8% on the opening weekend is the lowest among all teams with at least 10 Premier League fixtures. Also, coming into Saturday’s game, Southampton are on a five-game losing streak against Newcastle. The most recent being a 3-1 loss at St. James’ Park in April 2023.
Team News and Possible Starting Lineups
The injury plague continues to haunt St James’ Park, with Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, Callum Wilson, Lewis Miley, and Matt Targett all out injured. Fabian Schar seemed to twist his ankle against Brest, but fortunately, he is expected to be fit against Southampton. After serving a lengthy betting ban, Sandro Tonali will finally be eligible for selection again on August 28.
As for the Saints, Martin will have to manage without Gavin Bazunu for several months as he recovers from his Achilles rupture. As a result, Alex McCarthy will most likely start in goal. Ghanaian forward Kamaldeen Sulemana is currently dealing with an ankle injury that he picked up during a friendly match against Oxford United in late July. This is good news for Ben Brereton Diaz, who was signed in the summer and should start with Armstrong up front.
Newcastle United’s possible starting lineup: Nick Pope (GK), Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schaer, Daniel Burn, Lewis Hall, Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon.
Southampton’s possible starting lineup: Alex McCarthy (GK), Jan Bednarek, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jack Stephens, Yukinari Sugawara, Kyle Walker-Peters, William Smallbone, Flynn Downes, Joe Aribo, Adam Armstrong, Ben Brereton Diaz.
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