MY ACCOUNT
– Newcastle have only lost once at home in the league this season
– Joelinton has scored four goals in his last five appearances
– Recommended bet: Joelinton to score and Newcastle to win
Newcastle have a top-four finish in touching distance and they will be confident of adding another three points to their tally when rock-bottom Southampton travel to St James’ Park on Sunday.
The Magpies sit third in the Premier League heading into the encounter, eight points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham, who have played a game more than the north-east outfit.
As for the Saints, they are six points adrift of safety with just five matches remaining and it only seems like a matter of time before their relegation to the Championship is confirmed.
Team news
Newcastle remain without defender Emil Krafth and winger Allan Saint-Maximin, who is also a doubt to play against Arsenal on May 7.
Callum Wilson scored twice in the win over Everton in midweek but he could be dropped to the bench for Alexander Isak, who was given a rest from starting duties.
Jacob Murphy and Dan Burn also dropped out of the XI for that victory but are pushing for recalls.
For Southampton, Juan Larios and Mohammed Salisu are both missing while Tino Livramento is expected to miss out as he continues to build fitness following his ACL injury.
James Ward-Prowse will be assessed closer to the game after picking up an illness and Romain Perraud is a doubt with an ankle knock, but Armel Bella-Kotchap is available after missing the Bournemouth defeat in midweek.
The stats
Newcastle are one of five clubs to have only lost once at home in the league this season, while their tally of 32 points at St James’ Park is only bettered by five clubs.
The Magpies have already beaten Southampton three times this term — once in the top flight and in both legs of their League Cup semi-final, with Joelinton having netted the only goal in the first.
Brazil ace Joelinton has six league goals in the campaign so far — his best scoring season since arriving on Tyneside — and four of those have come in his last five appearances.
Over half of Southampton’s 24 points have come away from home, 14 in total, but they are on an eight-game winless streak and have not won at St James’ Park since January 2015.
Prediction
The contrast in seasons for these two could hardly be any greater and given the confidence Newcastle are playing with right now, they should be able to chalk up an 18th league win of the campaign.
Eddie Howe’s men have been ruthless in recent weeks, scoring 23 times in their last eight matches, and more goals should be on the agenda against a Southampton side that has conceded 57 times.
While a lot of praise has gone to the likes of Wilson, Isak and Miguel Almiron this term, Joelinton is in red-hot form and he can keep his impressive scoring run going.
Back Joelinton to score and Newcastle to win at 3/1 with LiveScore Bet.
Win big with LiveScore 6!
Fancy winning up to £100,000?
Simply predict six correct scores from the weekend action for your chance to win, with consolation prizes also on offer if you go close.
Play LiveScore 6 for free this weekend (18+, UK only). Click here for details on how to get involved.
