Published:

Match Pack: Newcastle vs Saints

2024-25/Matchdays/20240803 Millwall vs Southampton/MW_Millwall_Southampton_065_nxvrmi

It's the start of a new season, and Southampton are back in the Premier League. Find all you need to know ahead of kick-off in our Match Pack...

THE MATCH

Newcastle United vs Saints
Premier League
St James' Park
Saturday 17th August, 3pm BST

THE OFFICIALS

Referee: Craig Pawson
Assistants: Marc Perry, Mark Scholes
Fourth official: Dean Whitestone
VAR: Chris Kavanagh
Assistant VAR: James Mainwaring

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Saturday's game provides a fresh start in more ways than one for both teams. For Russell Martin's side it's an opportunity to showcase themselves back on the biggest stage once again, against high-level opposition in a stadium known for it's raucous atmosphere.

For Newcastle, Eddie Howe and fans alike will be looking for their side to get back into the illustrious Champions League spots after having got their first taste of European football's top table last campaign.

WHAT KIT WILL SAINTS WEAR?

Saturday sees the first competitive outing of our yellow and navy blue away shirt, with navy blue shorts and yellow socks.

Saints will wear the yellow and navy blue away strip at Newcastle.

TEAM NEWS

Trio Kamaldeen Sulemana, Ross Stewart and Adam Lallana are doubts for this Saturday's trip to the North East, but manager Martin has said all three are "in a good place".

“Kamaldeen is nearly fit, Stewart is nearly back in contention, Lallana is nearly back, so they’re in a really good place,” Martin said of his squad, who will travel to Newcastle on Friday.

THE MANAGERS

Eddie Howe: "There is always a great feeling before the start of the season. We’ve had a good pre-season, we are in good shape. The lads have worked really well.

It’s been an intense period, as it always is. Your preference is always the first game to be at home, we know the supporters will be with us, we know how important they will be to us. We have to do our bit."

Russell Martin: "Really looking forward to the challenge, really looking forward to the game. The first game is always difficult. The first game is always interesting. We are at a point now where we need the game to come.

"Newcastle are aggressive, they run so hard out of possession. They have physical stature and prowess and have some really outstanding players. But it’s a challenge I’m really looking forward to.”

ONES TO WATCH

Alexander Isak: It's hard to look past the Swedish talisman when looking for the main threat in Eddie Howe's side ahead of the new season.

25 goals in all competitions last campaign, with 11 in his last 12, the forward will be looking to hit the ground running for 2024/25.

Ben Brereton Díaz: Another forward looking to impress once again in the Premier League, Saints' new number 17 will be looking to build on his respectable record in the division.

7 top flight goal involvements in 14 games, and one on his first start as a Saint against Lazio recently, is promising form going into a new season.

HEAD TO HEAD

Played: 108
Newcastle: 46
Draws: 24
Saints: 38

LAST FIVE MEETINGS

April 2023: Newcastle 3-1 Saints (S Armstrong)
January 2023: Newcastle 2-1 Saints League Cup (Adams)
January 2023: Saints 0-1 Newcastle League Cup
November 2022: Saints 1-4 Newcastle (Perraud)
March 2022: Saints 1-2 Newcastle (S Armstrong)

KEEP UP TO DATE

Check out our interactive match centre at southamptonfc.com, with live streaming of the game, key updates and audio commentary of the match, and be sure to download the official Saints app and follow us on social media for further updates and exclusive content:

- Instagram
- Twitter
- Facebook

Viewing this page on a mobile device? Download the Saints app for all the latest news, feature videos and interactive content to get you closer to the action!

Open the Saints app today!