Premier League: Magpies Host Saints for Weekend Opener

Newcastle United vs Southampton

Alas! The Premier League will finally be back this weekend, and if you’re like any of us here at SBOTOP who’s been buzzing for the new season, then come join me in unpacking Saturday’s match-up between Newcastle United and newly-promoted Southampton.

Talking Points

Newcastle look for a strong start

The Magpies had a stellar season last year before injuries and an abysmal form away from home ruined their chances of replicating what they did in the 2022-23 season.

In fact, had it not been for the pestering injury bug that had sidelined a tonne of their players all season, Newcastle could’ve finished higher in the table and would’ve guaranteed themselves a European spot; a side that plays with high tempo and presses their opponents non-stop, Eddie Howe’s men were a tough cookie to deal with—when they’re healthy, that is.

Some of their best moments were wins against Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain. They were unplayable when everything clicked together.

But that’s all in the past now, and the Magpies are hell-bent on reaching the heights they know they’re capable of. And they have a chance to get their season running on the right track with a resounding win over the Saints.

Much like last season, the Tyneside club will rely on key players Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon. However, they still won’t have the services of Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman due to injuries, whilst £50 million man Sandro Tonali will be making his return soon after a 10-month suspension due to gambling reasons.

Russell Martin must prepare for a long season

The Saints did not stay out of the Premier League for long. After finishing dead last two seasons ago, Southampton did their fans a solid one by earning a quick promotion back in the English top flight.

But looking at things in a more realistic way, it would be extremely challenging for the Saints to avoid a return to the Championship in 2025. Nevertheless, they will fight tooth and nail to salvage every point they can get. That is the best their supporters can hope for.

Their coach, Russell Martin, deserved a lot of credit for bringing Southampton back to the Premier League. The 38-year-old had a tall mountain to climb after aplenty of players left the squad last summer, as he rebuilt the squad from the ground up and enforced an attacking style of play.

His effort was rewarded by a 22-game unbeaten streak from September to February, which proved his mettle as a coach. However, the Premier League is a different animal, and this would be the young manager’s first foray into the big boys’ yard.

The Saints have lost Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong in the process, so whatever large contributions they made last season must come from someone else.

Elsewhere, Adam Armstrong must take his Championship form in the Premier League as he would be tasked with being the club’s primary scorer upfront. New signing Ben Brereton Diaz will also be one of the main guys Martin hopes to rely on, along with midfielders Flynn Downes and Will Smallbone, and winger Ryan Fraser.

History

The two clubs have faced each other numerous times, with Newcastle gaining a slight advantage of 46 wins as compared to Southampton’s 38, whilst no winners were produced in the other 24 meetings.

They last met in the Premier League back in 2023, where the Magpies won 3-1. In their last 10 matches, Newcastle have managed to win eight times, with the Saints’ only win coming off a Premier League dub back in 2020, whilst a stalemate was contested between the two in 2021.

Betting Tip

This is as straightforward as it gets, as Newcastle are the overwhelming favourites according to the Premier League 2024 odds.

Southampton may get a few chances early on, but there’s just no way the Saints can mount a challenge against this very good Newcastle squad. There are alternate bets that can yield you more returns, like giving the Magpies an Asian Handicap of -1.75 priced at 2.20 or even predicting a correct score of 2-0 in Newcastle’s favour, which is priced at 8.20.

You could opt for those bets so long as you’re picking the Magpies; there’s a reason why the Saints are 6.40 underdogs. It may seem enticing, but they won’t stand a chance.

Look for Alexander Isak to be a threat on goal, whilst the rest of Eddie Howe’s men will be a torment to Southampton’s side from start to finish.

And since it’s the first game of the season, expect a packed St. James’ Park to witness an abundance of Premier League 2024 highlights from both squads.

 

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