Newcastle United will be hoping to all but guarantee their place in the Premier League next season when they face Southampton on Saturday evening.
The Magpies have steered well clear of the relegation zone but are still not quite mathematically safe from the drop. A win over Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men would do their hopes the world of good.
However, three points against Southampton are not easy to come by nowadays, and the Saints are in good form.
They head into this fixture on the back of a comprehensive win in front of their home fans last weekend. Nathan Redmond’s brace and a goal from Shane Long saw them defeat Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1.
Newcastle, though, also picked up three points last time out. They travelled to Leicester City and stunned the King Power Stadium, with Ayoze Perez’s header clinching a 1-0 win.
It’s set to be a tense affair between the two sides on Saturday. Here is how we think Rafa Benitez will set his team out.
Martin Dubravka
Dubravka is, of course, Newcastle’s undisputed number one. He’s set to start between the sticks.
Fabian Schar
Schar looked sharp against Leicester last week and is poised to continue on the right-hand side of a back three.
Jamaal Lascelles
In the heart of the defence, it is likely that Lascelles will be tasked with keeping Danny Ings quiet.
Paul Dummett
Dummett is poised to make up the back three and start on the left-hand side of the defensive trio.
DeAndre Yedlin
Yedlin will occupy the right wing-back role and is likely to have a good battle down the flank with his opposite number Ryan Bertrand.
Ki Sung-yueng
Ki has enjoyed an involved role of late and is set to continue in central midfield.
Isaac Hayden
Hayden has been quietly excellent for Newcastle recently and will look to help the team win the midfield battle.
Matt Ritchie
Ritchie looks set to keep his place on the left-hand side and will hope to cause Southampton’s young defender Yan Valery some problems.
Ayoze Perez
Perez scored an exceptional header against Leicester and will hope to contribute once again.
Miguel Almiron
Almiron, like Perez, is set to operate just behind the forward and will be determined to make his mark.
Salomon Rondon
Rondon is in line to retain his place in the starting line-up as Benitez will be keen to avoid interrupting the balance in a well-functioning front three.