Southampton look to change their fortunes against Newcastle

Southampton host Newcastle tomorrow in the Premier League and are looking to put an end to their five game loss streak.

The Saints are without a win in 13 games and have lost their last five on the bounce, sitting rock bottom in the table.

With only six points in the league, every game has become a big one.

A change of manager, following a 5-0 at the hands of Spurs, has shown glimpses of promise for the struggling side.

Manager Ivan Juric has changed formation’s and the approach to Premier League games. Since which has improved The Saint’s attacking output scoring 4 in their last 5.

The seemingly unimpressive stat is far better than the previous 11 goals scored in the first 23 games, a more counter attacking mindset with less focus on building up from the back has created more chances and shone light on some of the teams attacking talent.

Kamaldeen Sulemana has thrived under new management with an excellent performance at Old Trafford where The Saints were unlucky to get more out of the game winning the game until the 82nd minute.

Highly-sought after Tyler Dibling has also given the Southampton fans something to praise with his ball-carrying ability and quick feet, but will miss tomorrow’s game after picking up an injury at Old Trafford.

Creativity dwindled in the absence of the 18 year old Dibling only creating two big chances during their 3-2 loss at Nottingham Forest and an xG of 0.89, with both goals coming from set-pieces.

To make matters worse, ahead of tomorrow’s clash Ghanaian international Sulemana will also miss the game as manager Ivan Juric confirmed he is carrying a minor injury.

In addition to this Newcastle are in superb form and have won the last 8 games between the two sides, including a double over Southampton in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup two years ago.

Since a reshuffle in midfield and dropping Sandro Tonali into a deeper role allowing Brazilian Bruno Guimarães to play further forward, The Magpies have been a real powerhouse in recent games.

Ahead of the clash manager Ivan Juric praised AFC Bournemouth’s performance against Newcastle last week and The Cherries front foot approach to the game. Juric said “when you press high and play with intensity they are a team that have problems.”

Southampton have faced criticism about their lack of energy in games this season but Juric has urged his players to increase their work-rate “against Newcastle we want to do the same things (as Bournemouth).”

The two teams have two very different ambitions, however both will be wanting to take the three points with both planning to play with high pressing football, setting the scene for an enthralling and fierce match tomorrow afternoon.

For the full press conference with Ivan Juric on the matchup click the link below.

https://www.southamptonfc.com/en/video/press-conference-part-one-juric-on-magpies-meeting