Newcastle United predicted line-up vs Southampton: eight changes made as £112m trio earn starts

Newcastle United begin the 2024/25 Premier League campaign by hosting a newly promoted Southampton side on Saturday.

The Magpies will be targeting a third consecutive opening day victory under manager Eddie Howe after memorable victories over both Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa in recent seasons in front of the St. James’ Park faithful.

Newcastle will also hope to add to a run of five successive league and cup victories over the Saints, who are making their furthest away journey of the entire season.

Southampton, who have added seven new recruits this summer, will be out to cause an upset in Russell Martin’s first top-flight match as a manager and one man that could have a huge influence on the game is boyhood Newcastle fan and Saints top scorer Adam Armstrong after an impressive 24-goal campaign last term.

Newcastle have added five first team signings to their ranks this summer but can we expect to see any of them make their debuts this weekend? Here’s all you need to know:

Newcastle United injury news

Newcastle United are without centre backs Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles due to long-term ACL injuries that were sustained in the middle of last season.

Striker Callum Wilson is also sidelined for the first few weeks with a back problem while teenage midfielder Lewis Miley is recovering from a broken metatarsal that he sustained before pre-season. Left back Matt Targett is supposedly closing in on a comeback but is yet to feature in pre-season, meaning this game is likely to come too early.

Last summer’s marquee signing Sandro Tonali is still waiting to be unleashed again after his betting-related suspension which expires on 28 August.

Newcastle United predicted XI

Newcastle United are likely to start the campaign with a very familiar 4-3-3 formation. An experimental line-up was used in the last pre-season friendly against French side Brest, but we’re predicting eight changes to the team for the first competitive outing

A fully fit Nick Pope should start between the posts over deputy Martin Dubravka, while Kieran Trippier amid uncertainty about his future could get the nod over Tino Livramento in the early weeks due to his set piece threat.

A familiar pairing of Dan Burn and Fabian Schar are likely to start in defence, with new signing Lloyd Kelly being introduced slowly after his arrival from Bournemouth.

Left back Lewis Hall enjoyed a strong end to last term and has been a stalwart in pre-season, while a familiar midfield of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff should retain their place for the opening few games as Joe Willock is eased back into the action from the bench.

Jacob Murphy after scoring five goals in pre-season could get the nod over Miguel Almiron on the right side, with Anthony Gordon on the left and top scorer Alexander Isak both completing the front three.

Newcastle predicted XI: Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, Lewis Hall; Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff, Joelinton; Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon.