Southampton v Newcastle predictions: Improvers may settle for a point apiece

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Southampton v Newcastle in the Premier League on Thursday.

When to bet

7.30pm Thursday

Best bet

Draw
1pt 11-4 bet365, Betfred

Team news

Southampton
Lyanco and Alex McCarthy are out while Mohammed Salisu, Nathan Tella and Shane Long are doubts.

Newcastle
Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier remain out. Matt Ritchie and Federico Fernandez are training but unlikely to make it back for this.

Match preview

Both teams have gone through a major improvement in their form since this fixture was originally scheduled to take place in early January.

Southampton have lost two of their last 11 games while Newcastle have won five of their last six to put some distance between themselves and the relegation battle.

The Saints have lost just once on at St Mary's and that home form has been key to their impressive season. However, they were at the wrong end of a 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa last time and will be looking to bounce back.

Ralph Hasenhuttl made clear his displeasure at the Magpies being able to field their January signings in this rearranged tie but improvement among those already at the club - such as Joe Willock, Fabian Schar and Ryan Fraser - has fuelled their recent upturn in form.

The pair played out a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture and the same outcome is a distinct possibility for these two in-form teams.

Key stat

Southampton have drawn seven of their 13 home games.

Inside info

Southampton

Penalty taker James Ward-Prowse
Free-kick wizard James Ward-Prowse
Set-piece aerial threat Jan Bednarek
Card magnet Mohammed Salisu

Newcastle

Penalty taker Chris Wood
Free-kick wizard Jonjo Shelvey
Set-piece aerial threat Fabian Schar
Card magnet Jonjo Shelvey

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