Newcastle vs Southampton Prediction, Betting Tip & Match Preview

Newcastle - Southampton prediction

Newcastle host Southampton in a rematch between the two elite teams in the English League Cup.

The Magpies won 1-0 in the first leg of this semi-final last week when St Mary's visited.

And at home they are unbeaten so far this season.

At home, Newcastle went 8-5-0 in 13 official games in all competitions.

As in the last 8 of them, they did not allow a single goal in their goal.

Of course, this is not much of a surprise.

Considering Eddie Howe's men have the strongest defense in the Premier League.

And the old football maxim states that "Games are won by defense".

It is a curious fact that a large percentage of all Newcastle games won ended in a goalless draw in the first half.

That's why I took the liberty of offering you exactly this option in the forecast.

Because I don't think Southampton will have the strength to oppose them.

Newcastle - statistics and info

Joelinton's strike from close range in the 73rd minute gave Newcastle the advantage in the first leg.

After great work from Alexander Isaac for the assist.

The Brazil forward had earlier had a goal disallowed by VAR for handball and missed another golden opportunity to score.

Saints defender Doue Caleta-Carr's late red card ended a disappointing night for Southampton.

And Newcastle are clear favorites to reach Wembley for the first time since 1999.

"We're in for a great game," said head coach Eddie Howe.

"We respect Southampton and the threats they have in their team. And we have to make sure we're at our best.

"We will have the support of the public behind us.

"It will be extremely important, but we have to use it in the right way."

And reaching the final will be further proof of the excellent season the Magpies are having so far.

Southampton - statistics and info

Southampton midfielder Armstrong is a former Newcastle academy graduate and Magpies fan as a boy.

But he insisted Saints still have chances in this clash.

"We will go to St James' with something to believe in," said the 25-year-old.

"It's going to be a great atmosphere.

"It's a massive game, what footballers live for, semi-finals, big competitions, a chance to get to Wembley."

After the first match against Newcastle, Southampton qualified for the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Romain Perrault scored both goals in Saturday's 2-1 home win over Championship side Blackpool.

Nathan Jones made eight changes for the clash against Blackpool.

So most of his core people should be fresh enough here.

Squads and injured footballers

Newcastle

Lineup: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Bothman, Byrne; Wheelock, Longstaff, Guimarães; Almiron, Wilson, Joelinton

Injured: Shelvey, Kraft, Target

Southampton

Lineup: Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Lyanko, Kaleta-Carr, Salisu; Alcaraz, Diallo; Edozi, Ward-Prowse, Orsic; Mara

Injured: Larios, Livramento, McCarthy, Gennepo (questionable)

Matches between Newcastle and Southampton