The Saints have made their feelings well known about Newcastle's list of absentees ahead of this fixture but if it goes ahead there should be a steely determination in the Toon camp to get a result.
What would be sweeter than to emerge from the South Coast with a victory despite all of the issues in Eddie Howe's squad?
The frustration for Southampton has probably been the fear of momentum.
After all, Ralph Hasenhüttl's side have picked up some decent results lately, beating West Ham and then drawing at Spurs meaning they are edging to safety on 21 points.
Even before all of the injuries and Covid cases for Newcastle, the Saints were favourites to win this one.
Lee Ryder's prediction
Newcastle were absolutely awful the last time they played at St Mary's and were lucky to get away with just a 2-0 defeat as Southampton went top of the table in November 2020.
They can't get much worse but they will need to show some siege mentality this time around given the circumstances they find themselves in.
Former Bournemouth boss Howe will also be fired up for his return to the South Coast at the Cherries' old rivals.
I think this is still a game Newcastle can win if they put their minds to it.
Here's to a narrow victory to see the new year in.
Southampton vs Newcastle odds with Grosvenor Sport
- Southampton 4/6
- Draw 3/1
- Newcastle United 4/1
*odds subject to change
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Referee
Chris Kavanagh (Lancashire)
Takes charge of first Newcastle game this season.
