Southampton vs Newcastle United: How are the Magpies predicted to line-up at St Mary's?

Newcastle United will be looking to make it nine unbeaten in the Premier League this time out as they face Southampton at St Mary's Stadium on Thursday night, in a rearranged fixture after the original date had to be postponed due to an outbreak of COVID in the toon camp.

The away side come off the back of an impressive victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, extending a superb run of results which has seen them climb out of the relegation zone and into somewhat security, in 14th.

Eddie Howe has stuck with a similar side in most of these fixtures, with the adherence to injuries and unavailabilities he's been reluctant to alter his side that continues to perform.

However with slight fixture congestion in the next few weeks with Newcastle travelling to Chelsea and Everton within the next week, Howe may look to rotate to keep legs fresh.

Here is VAVEL's predicted Newcastle starting XI.

Goalkeeper - Martin Dubravka

The Slovakian shot-stopper has been solid behind his back four, keeping three clean sheets this calendar year, alongside 16 saves which have proved vital in Newcastle's past games.

He's struggled for fitness all season but seems to have found his form again that he showed in his early years at the club. This has seen him cement a spot in the side ahead of Karl Darlow and Mark Gillespie.

<strong><a data-cke-saved-href='https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2022/01/09/newcastle-united/1097939-the-warm-down-newcastle-united-suffer-fa-cup-humiliation-against-league-one-cambridge-united.html' href='https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2022/01/09/newcastle-united/1097939-the-warm-down-newcastle-united-suffer-fa-cup-humiliation-against-league-one-cambridge-united.html'>Martin Dubravka</a></strong> in action for Newcastle in training yesterday, <a id='5JCrnfOcTP5TOdhr2zAsiw' class='gie-single' data-cke-saved-href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1383093261' href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1383093261' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;'>Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'5JCrnfOcTP5TOdhr2zAsiw',sig:'OfFSpIhOkAaqJPaYwlbHXfMG4RPNKRv7YlPxzrLX3vA=',w:'594px',h:'392px',items:'1383093261',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script> — Martin Dubravka in action for Newcastle in training yesterday, Embed from Getty Images

Right-back - Javier Manquillo

Javier Manquillo has not featured much as of late after suffering an injury which forced him to come off against Everton in January.

He's been mostly forced to watch on from the sidelines as Emil Krafth has taken his place and done a decent job as cover.

However in the need for fresh legs, it is highly likely that Manquillo could see his firs start since Everton after Krafth seemed to struggle towards the end of the Brighton game at the weekend.

Manquillo in action for the Toon, <a id='OxC5qNELSm9G8TOpYcwpdg' class='gie-single' data-cke-saved-href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1358605217' href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1358605217' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;'>Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'OxC5qNELSm9G8TOpYcwpdg',sig:'iXB9IXbB4Iw7fG2_w__gbmKQ8s49_eHLRJxSbLP1bPE=',w:'594px',h:'432px',items:'1358605217',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script> — Manquillo in action for the Toon, Embed from Getty Images

Centre-back - Fabian Schar

Fabian Schar has been one of Newcastle's best players of late, defending well and propping up with goals and assists.

Recently he's been one of the first names on the team sheet after excelling next to his new partner at the back, Dan Burn.

He featured in last week's Premier League team of the week too, showing how he has pushed on in the second half of the season.

Schar celebrates his goal versus Brighton last time out, <a id='uLsOt597QXd0jA1-Il9G9Q' class='gie-single' data-cke-saved-href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1238954630' href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1238954630' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;'>Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'uLsOt597QXd0jA1-Il9G9Q',sig:'fQqzlAR75Zi1c95dPee9RHi8b6ZlWo5AamU76ilpd_A=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1238954630',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script> — Schar celebrates his goal versus Brighton last time out, Embed from Getty Images

Centre-back - Dan Burn

New signing, Dan Burn, has come into his boyhood club's starting XI and revolutionised the defence.

The 13 million pound man came in from Brighton in January as has proved to be an absolute steal with calls for an England call-up after impressive displays.

Him at the back accompanied with Schar and Dubravka have conceded the least amount of goals in the Premier League in 2022, with an outstanding four.

Burn applauds the fans as he's become a fan-favourite, <a id='CVlH2ZYuRNllD86T-2AogQ' class='gie-single' data-cke-saved-href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1238476310' href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1238476310' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;'>Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'CVlH2ZYuRNllD86T-2AogQ',sig:'UsK1KFZiAfdMBDuonW9dbWbUYTYMdVMJUoAzghLKjR8=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1238476310',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script> — Burn applauds the fans as he's become a fan-favourite, Embed from Getty Images

Left-back - Matt Targett

Another new boy, Matt Targett, has excelled in his new team after joining on loan from Aston Villa in January.

He's linked up superbly with Ryan Fraser on the left hand side, terrorising defences with his overlapping runs. This has been accompanied by his defensive awareness, coping with Tariq Lamptey well last time out.

And the news that his move is bound to become permanent with more than likely delight the Geordie faithful.

Targett in action last time out, <a id='B_WH6raxQINANU69hR4wRA' class='gie-single' data-cke-saved-href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1380712453' href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1380712453' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;'>Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'B_WH6raxQINANU69hR4wRA',sig:'ApbXfrz61xS2_-G4gAOtbMFW1Zs1f-Dpkl1QXH4s2wg=',w:'594px',h:'380px',items:'1380712453',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script> — Targett in action last time out, Embed from Getty Images

Right-Wing - Jacob Murphy

Jacob Murphy has come into the side due to the injury to Allan Saint Maximin and has impressed.

Even though first-choice, Saint-Maximin did return against Brighton its already been said that he's not "100% fit" so the re-emergence of Murphy on that right hand side is the most likely outfit.

Murphy has lacked confidence in front of goal but his pace and crossing abilities are to be admired and will put in a desired shift out there tomorrow.

Murphy goes close against Brighton, <a id='HnRb7mi7QTNyW3y7v8nZMA' class='gie-single' data-cke-saved-href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1380451040' href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1380451040' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;'>Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'HnRb7mi7QTNyW3y7v8nZMA',sig:'4anG1v7oWz5YIPADSs5oNl7rlQxatKoR0k0j9CETZOA=',w:'594px',h:'404px',items:'1380451040',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script> — Murphy goes close against Brighton, Embed from Getty Images

Centre-midfield - Joelinton

What more is there to say on this man?

Joelinton has shone recently putting in sensational performnaces, dominating the midfield battle, propping up with tackles, interception and winning duels all over the pitch.

There is the chance he could be given a rest but at the moment he's impossible to drop after being integral to Newcastle's form.

Joelinton has formed a good relationship with Howe, <a id='WCo9RE_tSghNRzc1MsyALw' class='gie-single' data-cke-saved-href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1376487787' href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1376487787' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;'>Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'WCo9RE_tSghNRzc1MsyALw',sig:'fsQKgiDWM5FKrDKLP_OpcMOYB6ysQxko1IAOupCVeSo=',w:'594px',h:'445px',items:'1376487787',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script> — Joelinton has formed a good relationship with Howe, Embed from Getty Images

Centre-midfield - Jonjo Shelvey

Another player who has been revitalised under Eddie Howe, Jonjo Shelvey has also proved his worth as of late.

His passing range and composure make him a perfect deep lying playmaker for the Toon as he sprays balls to the wingers and provides service to the strikers.

There's a good chance Bruno Guimaraes could be given his first start with the fixture congestion but I think Howe will stick with what he knows works for now.

Shelvey sprays a ball out in training, <a id='A7vjZbAqT4lh9rmC3BZSgQ' class='gie-single' data-cke-saved-href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1332519436' href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1332519436' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;'>Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'A7vjZbAqT4lh9rmC3BZSgQ',sig:'8UE9RM0KFOweRXBeO-PSnUTsziZHHbj6BChes9A_sn4=',w:'594px',h:'428px',items:'1332519436',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script> — Shelvey sprays a ball out in training, Embed from Getty Images

Centre-midfield - Joe Willock

I feel like a broken record here but it is yet another man who has re-found his form under Howe, Joe Willock.

The English youngster has been played in a slightly different role to give him more freedom in the middle of the park and its helped him excel and reignite the form he had when he first joined the Magpies.

This form has made him un-droppable so he's undoubtedly going to feature against the Saints.

Willock celebrates his goals versus West Ham, <a id='VXBYD3J0SXVYDfjznRyFsw' class='gie-single' data-cke-saved-href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1371509175' href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1371509175' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;'>Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'VXBYD3J0SXVYDfjznRyFsw',sig:'yhxyL3NcWCXo_aA4XMNALuxJYRvyl1VkNqHKwSi5buM=',w:'594px',h:'372px',items:'1371509175',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script> — Willock celebrates his goals versus West Ham, Embed from Getty Images

Left-Wing - Ryan Fraser

Ryan Fraser has been nominated for February's Premier League player of the month and that tells you everything you need to know about the Scotsman's form.

A goal and assist within 14 minutes against Brighton signifies the way he's been playing, creating chances and bringing other players into play superbly.

Newcastle fans will also want him to lineup against Southampton so we can see him next to Dan Burn just one more time.

Fraser takes his goal well at the weekend, <a id='j4PZdKJ6TZt8k952HsfMMg' class='gie-single' data-cke-saved-href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1380806732' href='http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1380806732' target='_blank' style='color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;'>Embed from Getty Images</a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'j4PZdKJ6TZt8k952HsfMMg',sig:'JbGIoKXHMdtpfBIvWTnOD-FWkO5ZwDDkVKeB6E6DCww=',w:'594px',h:'399px',items:'1380806732',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});</script><script src='//embed-cdn.gettyimages.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async></script> — Fraser takes his goal well at the weekend, Embed from Getty Images

Striker - Chris Wood

Chris Wood is probably the one out of the new signings who have struggled the most to hit the ground running as he looks to find his first goal in black and white.

Howe has shown faith in the forward though, persisting with him in the hope he does grab a goal, and it is likely this theme will continue tomorrow.

He does have a lot to admire about his game, with his linkup and hold up play adhering to the style of play Newcastle have adopted.