A big day beckons for Adam Armstrong. Born and bred in Newcastle and part of his hometown club’s academy from the age of nine, the Southampton striker was devastated to be told he was not good enough to make the grade at St James’ Park. That was three years ago when Armstrong was sold to Blackburn in a transfer that would prove the making of him and preface this summer’s £15m switch to Southampton. Now he can show his former employer – and Steve Bruce’s side are not only winless so far this season but have scored just two goals in 270 minutes – precisely what they are missing. Louise Taylor
Saturday 3pm
Venue St James’ Park
Last season Newcastle 3 Southampton 2
Referee Paul Tierney
This season G2 Y6 R0 3 cards/game
Odds H 8-5 A 2-1 D 28-11
NEWCASTLE
Subs from Gillespie, Darlow, Dummett, Murphy, Schär, Krafth, Lewis, Hendrick, Hayden, Joelinton, Gayle, Fraser
Doubtful Hayden, Dummett (match fitness)
Injured Dubravka (foot, Oct), Darlow (match fitness, unknown), Shelvey (calf, unknown)
Suspended None
Discipline Y5 R0
Form LL
Leading scorers Murphy, Wilson 1
SOUTHAMPTON
Subs from Lewis, Forster, Diallo, Obafemi, Redmond, Stephens, Simeu, Broja, Valery, Djenepo, Walker-Peters
Doubtful None
Injured McQueen (knee, unknown), Smallbone (knee, unknown), S Armstrong (ankle, unknown)
Suspended None
Discipline Y2 R0
Form LD
Leading scorer A Armstrong 1
