Consistency concerns for Hasenhuttl prior to Newcastle test

After last week’s dismal showing, Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl revealed he’s demanded a reaction from his players ahead of Saturday’s match against Newcastle.

Saints were beaten 3-1 at West Ham last weekend and the unconvincing nature of their display has led to Hasenhuttl questioning his side’s consistency in recent days. Their form since the turn of the year supports the Austrian’s viewpoint – Southampton have won four league games but have lost as many during that period. “Hopefully we come back to a more consistent way of playing,” he admitted. “This is important.”

But the good news for the south coast outfit is talisman Danny Ings has returned to full fitness having been consigned to a role on the bench at the London Stadium. Ings has had a full week of training and is expected to return to the fold as he looks to improve his already remarkable campaign, accruing 15 goals.

It is contrasting fortunes on the scoring front for Newcastle, with their shortage of goals persisting to be an ongoing concern. Failing to find the net in their last four, Steve Bruce’s men have only scored three goals in their previous eight matches, the lowest of any team in the league. They currently sit a place and two points below Saturday’s counterparts, in 14th.

Team News

For Southampton, Stuart Armstrong is out after sustaining concussion against West Ham. Young midfielder Will Smallbone will also miss out having been sick all week; the 20-year-old has started the previous two games prior to making his Premier League debut against Aston Villa a fortnight ago. Moussa Djenepo may return following a family bereavement.

Newcastle continue to be consumed with long-term injuries; Paul Dummett (thigh), Jetro Willems (knee), Ciaran Clark (ankle) and Jack Colback (knee) are all ruled out with no return date confirmed. Andy Carroll is likely to be back in a couple of weeks as he recovers from a hip concern. Emil Krafth (ankle) faces a late fitness test.

On Thursday, Ralph Hasenhuttl spoke of his side’s need to show a reaction after the defeat to West Ham:

“I think it’s more important to show a reaction this weekend, but it’s a good sign that the intensity of the sessions was a higher one this week, and it has to be, because we have a difficult game.

“Like always, the focus is more on the behaviour for the next game and what we need for that. It’s a different game, different opponent, a different way of playing and a different shape, so there is a little bit of different work to do.

“Like always, a clean sheet helps massively, so we must defend our box better than we did last time, not losing the second balls so easily. With the ball we did a few good things against West Ham, but only a few. We must play quicker more often and direct with less touches, and finally in the box with the final intent to score.”

Steve Bruce believes Southampton are a “big threat,” admitting he’s particularly wary of Danny Ings:

“They are a big threat. When you have a centre-forward with 15 goals which he (Ings) has, they are a threat. I also know Longy (Shane Long) from a while ago too.

“You have got Danny Ings in a team that has been in the bottom half with a remarkable tally. Fair play to him, he’s playing at the height of his talents and we will have to guard against him, that’s for sure.”

Head-to-Head

Southampton wins: 37

Draws: 23

Newcastle wins: 39

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