Newcastle United will host Premier League counterparts on Tuesday night in the second leg of the EFL Cup semi-final at St James’s Park.
The two sides sit at opposite ends of the table in the league, with the Saints struggling at rock bottom, and the Magpies sky high in third.
However, with the tie being a semi-final fixture, and a chance for the winner to feature at Wembley Stadium in the final, it could be argued that form somewhat goes out the window.
Eddie Howe’s side were knocked out of the second round of the EFL Cup last season, but after a complete revolution to the club in recent times, they will certainly feel well equipped to challenge in every competition they now enter.
Whereas the Saints were cruelly knocked out of the competition last term by Chelsea, who defeated them on penalties in the Fourth Round at St Mary’s.
Add an edge to the semi-final second leg, by heading to Bet9ja where you can bet on more than 200 different markets.
Newcastle United v Southampton
Tuesday 31st January 21:00
St James’s Park
The Magpies have been in inspired form this term, as they sit in a luxurious Champions League spot heading into the second half of the season.
Whilst the main focus for the Saints will be to remain in the top flight of English football, as they have statistically been the worst side in the Premier League, meaning they sit at the bottom of the table with 18 games left to play.
However, Nathan Jones will be hoping that his side can continue their impressive domestic cup run, which could consequently give them a confidence booster, and make his side aware of their capabilities towards the business end of the season.
In the first leg at St Mary’s, Howe’s side came out on top thanks to a Joelinton winner in the 73rd minute. James Ward-Prowse and company were left with an uphill battle in the dying embers of the match to salvage anything from the game, when Croatian defender Duje Caleta-Car saw red late on.
In recent times, Southampton have really struggled against Newcastle, having lost their previous three meetings, accumulating to an aggregate score of 8-2 to the Geordies.
The Southampton faithful have not had much to cheer about this season; after they have seen their side pick up just 15 points in the Premier League, winning on just four occasions after 20 games played.
Although Newcastle sit in the top four of the Premier League and are in a strong position to reach the final of the EFL Cup, they were knocked out in the FA Cup this season by League One outfit Sheffield Wednesday against all odds, as the away tie proved too much for Howe’s side, albeit it was a much changed side by the young English manager.
Howe might see this domestic cup as a great opportunity for Newcastle to win a first trophy since the 2016/17 campaign when they won the EFL Championship, as the actions off the pitch seem so promising. With the Saudi takeover broadening the horizons in terms of budget allocation, it would top off a great 18 months at the football club.
With Newcastle coming into the tie with a one goal lead and the in-form side, we fancy a Magpies victory, so why not check out our odds at 2.20 for a Newcastle win (-1), in our handicap market at Bet9ja. However, with the Saints potentially having an all or nothing attitude for this game, due to being a goal down in the tie, Southampton are 3.75 to score the first goal of the match.
In our goalscorer market, first leg scorer Joelinton is 4.00 to score again anytime and 8.60 to net first. Alexander Isak is 2.00 to score anytime and 4.00 to score first.
Bet9ja odds (at time of writing): Newcastle United win: 1.44, Southampton win: 7.80, Draw: 4.45
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