Preview: Southampton vs. Newcastle United

Southampton host Newcastle United at St Mary's this weekend following their vital victory over Queens Park Rangers last week.

The Saints will be buoyed by their 3-1 win over struggling QPR, who will be without a manager this weekend after sacking Mark Hughes this morning, and Southampton will be eager to claim back-to-back wins to alleviate pressure on boss Nigel Adkins.

Meanwhile, the Magpies have dropped to 12th in the Premier League table following their 2-1 defeat to Swansea City.

Adkins is likely to rely on Rickie Lambert to find the goals this weekend, while Newcastle boss Alan Pardew will be without midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa, while Demba Ba could be placed up front.

Recent form

Southampton: LLLDW

Newcastle: DWDLL

Possible lineups

Southampton: Gazzaniga; Clyne, Fonte, Yoshida, Shaw; Schneiderlin; Puncheon, Cork, Ramirez, Lallana; Lambert

Newcastle: Krul; Simpson, Taylor, Williamson, Santon; Marveaux, Tiote, Gutierrez; S. Ameobi, Ferguson; Ba

Sports Mole says: 0-1