Jeff Stelling backs injury-ravaged Southampton to beat Newcastle United despite losing last game 9-0

Jeff Stelling has backed Southampton to bounce back from their 9-0 mauling against Manchester United on Tuesday night to beat Newcastle United this weekend.
Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

The Saints were heavily beaten at Old Trafford after having two men sent off – the second time that they have lost by that margin under manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Their last 9-0 thrashing came against Leicester City in October 2019.

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For their part, Newcastle also suffered disappointment in midweek – although their 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace was nowhere near as severe.

The Magpies let an early lead slip against the Eagles, with Gary Cahill scoring the winning goal partway through the first half.

But of the two sides, Stelling is forecasting Southampton to pick themselves up more effectively at St. James’ Park on Saturday.

Speaking to Sky Sports’ Super 6, he said: “Southampton turned a corner after their 9-0 loss to Leicester last season, and they need to get some sort of result at Newcastle, not only to put the defeat at Old Trafford behind them, but to stop the rot, with the Saints losing their last four Premier League matches.

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"I think Southampton will earn a valuable three points at St. James’ Park.”

Stelling is predicting another 2-1 defeat for the Toon Army.

As well as their heavy defeat to United, Southampton have been plagued by injuries in recent weeks.

The Saints could still be without the likes of Kyle Walker-Peters and Jannik Vestergaard this weekend, while Stuart Armstrong has been confirmed as an absence by manager Hasenhuttl.