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Newcastle best XI v Southampton

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OPINION

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez is expected to hand central midfielder Mohamed Diame a start against Southampton on Saturday.

Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has been packing the midfield since arriving at St Mary’s Stadium, meaning that Diame’s physical presence will be needed to counteract the visitor’s approach at St James’ Park.

That will mean that the 6ft 1in tall Ki Sung-yueng (Source: Transfermarkt) will likely be axed, with Isaac Hayden surely continuing to start in the middle of the park.

That will most probably be the only change that Benitez makes from the team that claimed a hugely creditable 1-0 win over Leicester City last time out.

Martin Dubravka is now firmly back on top form after a few wobbles earlier this calendar year and, as a result, he would appear to be a dead ringer to start on Saturday.

At right wing back, Javier Manquillo has likely done enough in recent weeks to get the nod over DeAndre Yedlin. Meanwhile, Matt Ritchie is a near certainty to start on the opposite flank.

At centre back, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles and Paul Dummett can all expect to keep their places after a terrific showing at the King Power last time out.

As mentioned, Diame will surely start in central midfield alongside the inimitable Hayden, while Miguel Almiron and Ayoze Perez will likely both start further forward. Meanwhile, Salomon Rondon is the main man up front and will almost certainly keep his place here.

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