Southampton travel north for a game against the Magpies with both clubs knowing that a victory will help open the gap to the clubs below them even wider.
Saints have sold out their allocation of tickets so will have a good backing from our fans on the longest trip we face this season.
Both teams have won twice in their last six games with the Geordies winning their last home game against Chelsea, and losing narrowly to Spurs away.
Vital Quotes:
Alan Pardew has said that he will have to juggle his squad for the Europa Cup game as we will be an important game for his team.
Newcastle Team News:
Newcastle will shuffle their pack having the long trip away in the Europa Cup on Thursday.
Ben Arfa is likely to be back and the club is stronger now having signed a handful of players from the French League.
Player to watch: Ben Arfa
Ben Arfa is a player that can make the Geordies click and is a very dangerous opponent, and one we will to watch closely.
Saints Team News:
Saints are just about back to full fitness and there will be some hard thinking and big decisions to make as to who starts.
Player to watch: Artur Boruc
I have a hunch that Artur will need to be at his best for this game and confidently expect another high quality showing.
Match Facts & Stats
The statistics point to a Newcastle win as they have won eight and drawn one of the last nine meetings between the two clubs at St James’s Park
Ref Watch:
Referee – Chris Foy
Assistants – S. Beck and H. Lennard
4th official – Mark Halsey
Match Prediction:
Newcastle are always a danger when in front of their home support but Saints are proving a lot tougher to beat.
In a close game I suggest 2-2
Next Fixtures:
Sun 2nd March 3pm
Saints v QPR
Swansea v Newcastle
