Match of the Day pundit Jermaine Jenas has highlighted that Newcastle United should be seriously worried about the damage Southampton can cause them on Saturday.
The two sides face off at St Mary’s Stadium and Jenas has pinpointed the reason why the Magpies should fear the Saints on the South Coast – the fact that they have the players who have the ability to score goals, unlike Newcastle.
He added that being able to score goals is what will end up saving Southampton this season, but added that it will be a major cause for concern for Rafa Benitez and his players.
"I think there's more pressure on Mark Hughes tomorrow"@JJenas8 says it could be more important for #SaintsFC to get the victory at St Mary's, rather than #NUFC.
? https://t.co/Qk7lSDQJ3w pic.twitter.com/XwX8L9wWTj
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) October 26, 2018
“They have got the players to do it, that is the worrying thing for Newcastle. They have got the players to put the ball in the back of the net,” he told BBC 5 Live Sport.
“It is what will end up saving [Southampton] come the end of the season.”
OPINION
Jenas is right – Newcastle should be worried by the fact that Southampton have got the players who have the ability to put the ball in the back of the net on a regular basis. The likes of Danny Ings and Charlie Austin will no doubt be Southampton’s greatest threats to Newcastle, as they are ultimately the two players who are standing in the way of United and their first win. This will be a major cause for concern for Benitez, as he will need to figure out how he can stop their attacking threat. Yes, the Saints are not faring much better in the Premier League title either, but it is the games against the teams around Newcastle that will prove to be the most difficult. Lose points to these teams, and relegation will become a very real prospect by Christmas. Like with every match from now on, this clash with Southampton is a must-win.