Newcastle visit Saint Mary’s on Sunday to face off with Southampton, and they will be hoping to grab a vital result on the road.
The hosts have a problem that could aid the Magpies’ chances, as striker Shane Long could be unavailable for selection.
The Ireland international wasn’t able to play against Wales in the World Cup qualifiers earlier this week after pulling out due to a hip injury.
While Long has gone 25 games for country and club without scoring, he remains a threat to any defence.
The 30-year-old has started 3 league games this term and come off the bench thrice, highlighting his importance to Southampton’s attack.
In his absence, the Saints will likely start Manolo Gabbiadini, but Long’s record against Newcastle, including scoring both goals that relegated them 2 seasons ago, remains a source of concern.
The Magpies are without a win in more than 13 years of visiting the Saint Mary’s, losing all their 3 previous trips to the south Coast.
They will have to be in great shape and form to return to Tyneside with at least a point this time around.
