Its the race for 8th as Saints take on the Magpies at St Mary's Stadium, once again the chance to impress your mates with a few facts.

Southampton will be looking forward to entertaining Newcastle this weekend following the Magpies’ mid week defeat, which saw them lose 3-0 to Everton. A win would see Pochettino’s men move into 8th place, moving 2 points clear of Newcastle. The Saints will also be hoping to put last week’s heartbreaking defeat to Tottenham behind them. Southampton started well, dominating the first half and were 2-0 after 29 minutes with England hopefuls Jay Rodriguez and Adam Lallana both finding the net. The second half however saw Spurs take control and seize all three points in the dying minutes.

Adam Lallana will have no doubt impressed England manager Roy Hodgson who watched from the stands. The England hopeful played an integral role in Southampton’s creativity and provided plenty of attacking impetus. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Lallana made 26 attacking contributions (shots on target, dribbles, crosses and passes) last weekend and had a shot accuracy rating of 75%. Lallana is an industry best 5/2 to score at any time this weekend with 888sport.com.

Jay Rodriguez displayed his merciless attacking mentality, which has attracted the attention of England manager and fans alike, capitalising on Naughton’s defensive error to put the Saints ahead after just 18 minutes. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Rodriguez is the Saints’ leading scorer this season with 13 and he has a shot accuracy rating of 42%.

Jose Fonte has proved to be a bedrock in defense for the Saints this season. The Portuguese defender made 21 defensive contributions (tackles won, clearances, blocks and interceptions) last week against Spurs and has a total of 402 so far this season, the highest at the club. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Fonte has won 77% of his tackles so far this season.

Newcastle travel to Southampton this weekend in need of an impressive performance following their heavy defeat at home to Everton midweek. The Magpies will still be without the sideline presence of manager Alan Pardew who will watch from the stands having served his final stadium ban. Newcastle are currently one point above Southampton in 8th place.

Cheick Tioté came closest to scoring for Newcastle and featured heavily in their attempts at rallying their efforts. Magpie fans will look to Tioté this week to inspire an attacking mentality against the Saints. The Ivory Coast international has made 614 attacking contributions (shots on target, dribbles, crosses and passes) this season so far, the highest at the club.

Papiss Cissé has made his presence felt at both ends of the field this year for Newcastle. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the Senegalese international has won an impressive 94% of his tackles so far this season and has a 53% shot accuracy rating in front of goals. Cisse is 13/4 to score at any time this weekend with 888sport.com.

Defensive duties will rest on the shoulders of Michael Williamson this weekend against Southampton following his side’s heavy defeat at home to Everton. Williamson will feel confident that he can cope with the attacking threats of Lambert, Lallana and Rodriguez though as he has won 80% of his tackles this season and has made 307 defensive contributions (tackles won, blocks, interceptions and clearances).

Data supplied by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Select and manage your own team of stars at
fantasy.premierleague.com
or with FIFA Ultimate Team for FIFA 14.

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