St. Mary’s Stadium hosts a high-stakes battle between relegation-bound Southampton vs Newcastle United.
The Premier League’s bottom-placed side, Southampton, face an uphill task against Newcastle United on Saturday, January 25. With the Saints conceding a league-worst 50 goals this season 35, and Newcastle eager to rebound from a shock defeat, this match promises drama. Here’s our comprehensive preview, including team news, tactical insights, and predictions.
Match Overview
Kick-off Details
- Date/Time: Saturday, January 25, 2025 | 15:00 GMT (UK) / 10:00 AM ET (US)
- Venue: St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton
- TV/Streaming: UK – Not televised | US – Peacock
Southampton vs Newcastle Team News & Lineups
Southampton: Injury Woes Deepen
Manager Ivan Jurić faces a selection crisis. Winger Kamaldeen Sulemana (hamstring) joins Jack Stephens, Ross Stewart, and Tyler Dibling on the sidelines. Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale trained through a knock but is likely to start. New signing Albert Gronbaek remains unfit.
Predicted XI (3-4-1-2):
Ramsdale; Bree, Bednarek, Harwood-Bellis; Sugawara, Downes, Aribo, Walker-Peters; Fernandes; Archer, Armstrong
Set for St Mary's 💪 pic.twitter.com/vOIsE1AT7w
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) January 24, 2025
Newcastle: Pope’s Return Bolsters Defense
Nick Pope (knee) could reclaim his spot in goal after Martin Dúbravka’s shaky performance against Bournemouth. Callum Wilson, Jamaal Lascelles, and Harvey Barnes remain sidelined, but Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon are fit to lead the attack.
Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Pope; Livramento, Botman, Schär, Hall; Guimarães, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
Tomorrow, we play! 💪 pic.twitter.com/tsPvU2lASl
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 24, 2025
Southampton vs Newcastle Tactical Analysis
Southampton’s Struggles
Southampton’s defensive frailties are glaring, with 19 goals conceded in their last five home games. Their 3-4-1-2 formation relies on quick transitions, but individual errors and a lack of midfield stability have been costly. Paul Onuachu’s aerial threat (4 goals) is their primary hope.
Newcastle’s Attacking Prowess
Newcastle’s midfield trio of Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton dominates possession, while Isak (15 goals) and Gordon exploit wide areas. The Magpies have scored 2+ goals in five of their last six away games.
Southampton vs Newcastle Head-to-Head & Key Stats
- Recent Dominance: Newcastle have won their last six meetings, including a 1-0 victory in August 2024.
- Goal Trends: Over 2.5 goals scored in six of the last eight clashes.
- Historical Context: Southampton have just one win in 13 Premier League matches against Newcastle.
Southampton vs Newcastle Prediction & Betting Tips
Score Prediction: Southampton 1-3 Newcastle United
Key Bets:
- Newcastle to win & over 3.5 goals 2.10 (bet365)
- Alexander Isak to score anytime 1.67
Newcastle’s firepower should overwhelm Southampton’s leaky defense, making them strong favorites. For the Saints, survival hopes dim unless they fix systemic issues.