This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
There are several factors which could contribute to Newcastle beating Southampton but for the dynamic Allan Saint-Maximin it should be a game to enjoy and one where he perhaps hands his side the win.
On the chalkboard
Key to the Magpies chances of success is keeping Southampton’s key men quiet, particularly Danny Ings who has scored nine goals in his last ten games, and Moussa Djenepo who is capable of conjuring up brilliance out of nothing.
His goals against Brighton and Sheffield United this season are evidence of that, but Steve Bruce should be confident in his side as it has been quite difficult to score past them recently, with Man City and Aston Villa both relying on moments of brilliance at times.
With Newcastle’s new-look back five shutting out the Blades there shouldn’t be too many worries in that department, and with attacking players like Allan Saint-Maximin and Jonjo Shelvey finding form there could be goals at the opposite end.
Andy Carroll’s call-up to start was an important difference last time out too and with Saints’ defenders preoccupied with keeping him quiet, the likes of Saint-Maximin should find more space and joy in the opponent’s final third.
Full of confidence
Newcastle are beginning to come into their own under Bruce and one man who is particularly flourishing is Saint-Maximin.
The Frenchman has never been shy of expressing himself since he arrived in the Premier League, previously stating he wasn’t worried about his lack of goals, and his style and attitude should lead to success against Southampton.
The winger grabbed his first goal for his new club last time out with a surprising but well-executed header and now he should have the belief that he is well capable of scoring more often.
Aside from that, he continues to display his brilliance on the ball, even managing seven successful dribbles against a top side like Manchester City.
That means he should really enjoy Sunday’s match. He will likely come up against Oriol Romeu and Cedric Soares, and neither player has been that good defensively.
Their team has conceded 33 goals in 15 league games and they have each been dribbled past 2.4 and one time per game, and that means Saint-Maximin could have a field day.
His link-up play with Carroll could be pivotal if the target man can find him in dangerous areas, as his speed and quick feet should allow him to produce match-winning chances for himself or his teammates.
Carroll made an immediate impact on his first start against Sheffield United, and he could once again be very useful if he improves certain aspects of his game.