The Daily Star Ireland
The Southampton FC and Newcastle United match will take place as planned on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 16:00. This is a Matchday 23 fixture where the struggling Southampton side is pitched against the Newcastle unit. The case makes it different between a team fighting for a relegation stay and another fighting to get qualified in the top-four finish spot in the Champions League.
Southampton vs Newcastle United Predictions for the Match
This meeting significantly weighs the odds in favor of Newcastle United for an away win. Newcastle United have had a good season so far, whereas Southampton has been going through a terrible campaign. The table stands with Newcastle United fourth at 38 points and Southampton bottom at six points.
Southampton FC: A Season to Forget
For Southampton, the season has been nothing short of a disaster. With just one win to their credit, Saints are rooted at the bottom of the table with three draws and 17 losses. A goal difference of -34 shows problems from both ends: with just 13 goals scored and an incredible 47 conceded.
At home, their struggles are evident from the fact that they have won only once and drawn once in 10 matches. Even in their recent loss to Nottingham Forest, they showed flashes of attacking promise but ultimately lost 3-2.
Manager Ivan Jurić has been struggling to get his high-pressing tactical philosophy across. Defensive frailties and poor finishing up front have riddled the team throughout the campaign so far and put them in such a perilous situation.
Newcastle United: European Ambitions of Champions League
The Magpies have been on great form and have currently secured a fourth position with 11 wins, five draws, and six losses. They score 38 goals while conceding 26.
New Castle’s away form has been excellent, winning five, drawing three, and losing three. But the loss 4-1 at AFC Bournemouth last weekend is a reminder that one cannot get too comfortable.
Eddie Howe has transformed the team into a cohesive and competitive unit. He has infused a high-energy, attacking style of play with his tactical expertise, making them serious contenders for a Champions League spot.
Head-to-Head History
The last time these teams met, Newcastle managed to squeeze out a slim 1-0 win. This result follows the recent head-to-head trend, which has seen Newcastle emerge victorious in all five of their last meetings with Southampton.
Recent Form
Southampton has managed to pick up slight improvement in the last five matches as they come with one win against the backdrop of four losses. While this solitary win gives them something to hope for, their overall struggles remain a big worry.
Newcastle has been in good form of late, having won four out of the last five, which has further made them favourites coming into this match.
Recent Results
- Southampton: Lost 3-2 to Nottingham Forest in a game that emphasized the problem of poor defence they are experiencing.
- Newcastle: Their shock 4-1 home loss to Bournemouth brought to the fore vulnerabilities not easily noticed as the Magpies had generally shown consistency all over the pitch.
Prediction
Given the gulf in form, league positions, and head-to-head records, Newcastle United is expected to win. Southampton will no doubt fight hard as they battle for survival, but Newcastle’s quality and cohesion should see them through.
For punters, both teams scoring could add some intrigue to the options of a bet, but Newcastle’s strength in attack and defense makes them the clear favorites to claim three points.
Prediction: Newcastle United 3-1 Southampton
