Match Pack: Newcastle vs Saints
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
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