Newcastle v Southampton

Newcastle vs Southampton Preview

Newcastle United were unable emulate nor replicate the season before last season's impressive fourth place finish in the Premier League as The Magpies ended up in seventh place and therefore missed out on a European spot despite losing just twice in their last 10 league matches, while Southampton made a swift return back to the English top flight after beating Leeds United 1-0 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium.

Newcastle United were handed defeats by the likes of Crystal Palace and Manchester United in these last 10 league games, both of which were incurred away from home while Eddie Howe's side also managed to capture six wins within this final stage of the season as well.

Victories over West Ham, Fulham, Tottenham, Sheffield United, Burnley and Brentford respectively should still give the north-east hosts plenty of confidence in gaining a positive result in this season opener against Southampton at St James' Park on Saturday.

Goals may also feature in this upcoming clash on the weekend as seven out of Newcastle United's last 10 matches in the Premier League have also resulted in both teams scoring, so this looks like being a good option particularly as The Magpies have been priced as outright favourites to win this game.

The ratio increases to eight in Newcastle's last 10 games at home where both teams have scored.

Southampton have made a swift return to the English top flight at the first time of asking under manager Russell Martin and this time the south coast club will be desperate to hold onto their Premier League status this season, starting with this long trek up to the north-east to take on Newcastle United.

Following a previously worrying three-game losing streak during late April which consisted of losses to Cardiff City, Leicester City and Stoke City respectively, The Saints managed to turn themselves around by putting together a four-match unbeaten sequence to end the season in triumphant fashion.

A 3-1 home win against West Brom in the 2nd leg of the play-off semi-final was followed with a 1-0 win against Leeds United in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium in what is now billed as the ‘most lucrative game in club football in the world'.

Having won just five out of their last 11 outings on the road in all competitions though, it may be best to opt for the goals market in this upcoming clash as Southampton look to have a decent chance of netting at least once against a Newcastle United whose results last season saw both teams score in 58% of their home games.

Newcastle United v Southampton Verdict

Goals have certainly featured in previous exchanges as six of the last seven meetings have resulted in both teams scoring.

Therefore, our main bet will be BTTS Yes @ 1.61

Other side bets worth considering:

Draw @ 5.25

Correct Score: 1-1 @ 11.00