A closer look at Newcastle v Southampton

When the two sides met for a goalless draw last October, the Magpies were joint bottom of the Premier League table.

They had mustered just three points from their opening 10 matches.

However, they now sit one place above Saints, although Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have played a game less than today’s opponents.

Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl

Despite their early-season struggles, Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez stayed in his position to help guide the club away from danger.

Benitez’s future is often reported on, due to his relationship with Magpies owner Mike Ashley.

It was only last week when the Spaniard compared dealing with Ashley over transfers to the current Brexit talks.

Benitez will be out of contract in the summer, with it not yet known whether he will extend his stay at St. James’ Park.

Saints’ Premier League record against Newcastle:

P35 W15 D8 L12

Newcastle’s Premier League form:

P34 W10 D8 L16

Who is the opposition’s key player?

Jamaal Lascelles

Captain Jamaal Lascelles has been a rock in the heart of the Newcastle defence this season.

The 25-year-old has helped the Magpies keep 10 clean sheets so far, conceding only 43 goals throughout the campaign.

Paraguayan midfielder Miguel Almiron has been a shining light since his £21m transfer to Newcastle in January.

But Lascelles has shown a solid level of consistency throughout the entire season.

A closer look at the Newcastle boss:

Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez

Benitez launched himself into Liverpool folklore when he steered the club to a dramatic Champions League win over AC Milan back in 2005.

Since then, the 59-year-old has managed some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

He’s spent time at Inter Milan, Chelsea [on an interim basis], Napoli and then at Real Madrid, where his playing career started as a youth player.

Benitez has resided on Tyneside since 2016, taking Newcastle out of the Championship and then keeping them in the top-flight.