One of the most intriguing Premier League fixtures this weekend comes as Southampton play host to Newcastle United at St Mary’s on Sunday.
Saints come into the clash following a relatively disappointing start to the campaign in which they have taken eight points from their opening seven fixtures.
Successive defeats against Manchester United and Stoke City have kept the south coast outfit firmly in the bottom half of the table at this early stage, and it is their troubles in front of goal which are once again alarming – they have failed to find the net in four of their seven league games.
Meanwhile, the Magpies have endured a mixed start to their own campaign with three wins, one draw and three defeats so far, and they have already been beaten by fellow newly-promoted sides Huddersfield and Brighton on their travels.
Newcastle certainly don’t have a good record at St Mary’s either, losing on their last four visits to the south coast and conceding 13 goals in the process, scoring just one goal in return.
Both teams certainly know that they have the players that can make the difference in a game like this one, and they will be raring to go come Sunday afternoon.
Here are four key on-pitch battles that will decide which way the result goes…
Virgil van Dijk vs Joselu
Much like Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino, Rafa Benitez has favoured a 4-2-3-1 formation this season and summer signing Joselu looks to be the first-choice striker right now.
While he found the net in the win against West Ham and the 1-1 draw with Liverpool at St James’ Park last time out, the Spaniard has also missed a fair few good chances in recent weeks and he will be looking to do better at St Mary’s on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Van Dijk made his first start since January when Saints faced Stoke City last time out, and despite giving away a penalty the Dutchman was strong in the air and vocal at the back and he will be tasked with dealing with Joselu this weekend.
Mario Lemina vs Jonjo Shelvey
Having been Southampton’s man of the match against Crystal Palace and Manchester United, Lemina is already making a big impression in the middle of the park for Saints following his summer move from Juventus.
The 24-year-old is energetic and has the ability to get away from his opponents because of his skill on the ball, and he could prove to be a key man against the Magpies on Sunday.
However, Newcastle have a midfielder of their own that is in good form right now and while his bad temperament can sometimes get the better of him, Shelvey showed his quality in possession and the range of passing he is capable of against Liverpool last time out, and it was his through ball that Joselu rather fortunately found the net from.
Ryan Bertrand vs Matt Ritchie
Having been one of Newcastle’ most influential players last season as they secured an immediate return to the Premier League, it is no surprise that Ritchie has already proven to be a key player for the Magpies in the top flight this term.
The right-sided midfielder has provided four assists in his side’s seven league fixtures, with his set-piece delivery proving to be particularly effective.
The man that will be tasked with dealing with the threat of the 28-year-old is Ryan Bertrand, who certainly hasn’t been as effective from an attacking point of view this season as he has previously for Southampton.
He will be looking to change that on Sunday and force Ritchie to have to track back and try and defend against him, to stop the Scot making too much of an impact at the other end of the pitch.
Manolo Gabbiadini vs Jamaal Lascelles
Having scored just one goal in his previous 12 Southampton appearances and visibly struggling in the lone striker role in the 4-2-3-1 formation, Gabbiadini has dropped to the substitutes’ bench for Saints previous three Premier League fixtures with Shane Long preferred up top.
However, with Long failing to find the net and missing the Republic of Ireland;s win over Wales during the week, Mauricio Pellegrino may choose to bring the Italy international back into his starting line-up for the visit of Newcastle.
Meanwhile despite not starting the season in Rafa Benitez’s team, Lascelles has quickly gone on to become one of their best performers after replacing the injured Florian Lejeune against Tottenham on the opening day.
The Magpies captain, who recently signed a new six-year contract, has helped his side keep two clean sheets as well as scoring in the wins against Swansea and Stoke, and he could be a key man at both ends of the pitch at St Mary’s on Sunday.
