Southampton’s attackers could well be primed for a big weekend in Fantasy Football, with Newcastle majorly struggling for options at the back.
The Saints are set to make the trip to St. James’ Park tomorrow afternoon, for a Premier League clash.
And to say that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men will head into proceedings hopeful of a bounce-back result would be something of an understatement.
This comes with Southampton having been on the receiving end of a historic defeat on Tuesday night, when they were reduced to 9 men, en route to a staggering 9-0 drubbing at the hands of Manchester United.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 02: Jan Bednarek of Southampton argues with Mike Dean, the match referee during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton at Old Trafford on February 02, 2021 in Manchester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Phil Noble – Pool/Getty Images)
This marked just the latest defeat amid a concerning spell of form on the part of the St. Mary’s outfit, with Southampton having now failed to pick up a single point from an available twelve since early last month.
Lascelles among absentees
As outlined above, though, ahead of Saturday’s St. James’ showdown, the Saints have today been handed a boost.
This comes in the form of the latest Newcastle team news.
Steve Bruce’s men are of course in the midst of an altogether worrying stretch of their own, and were condemned to a 2-1 defeat by Crystal Palace during the week.
The Magpies’ woes, however, have since only continued to mount, with Bruce having revealed this evening that, ahead of tomorrow’s crunch clash, a defensive injury crisis on Tyneside has seen all of Jamal Lewis, Jamaal Lascelles, Federico Fernandez and Paul Dummett ruled out.
Ciaran Clark, meanwhile, is also in doubt, after the Republic of Ireland international’s partner went into labour on Friday:
🎙 Steve Bruce previews tomorrow’s visit of Southampton:
“Jamal Lewis, Jamaal Lascelles and Federico Fernández won’t make it. Ciaran Clark’s partner has gone into labour but we’re hoping he’ll still make it. Paul Dummett is still struggling so we’re a bit depleted defensively.” pic.twitter.com/V0yqW9eHHm
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) February 5, 2021
Arsenal boost as Mat Ryan spotted in first-team training ahead of Aston Villa
