Mauricio Pellegrino has endured an indifferent start at Southampton but begins a forgiving run of fixtures with the visit of Newcastle and Rafa Benítez, whom he worked under at Liverpool and Internazionale. Pellegrino has no new injury concerns after the international break, with Shane Long recovering from a hip problem. Newcastle are boosted by the permanent signing of the midfielder Mikel Merino while Jonjo Shelvey is available despite a finger injury. Niall McVeigh
Kick-off Sunday 4pm
Venue St Mary’s
Last season n/a
Live Sky Sports Premier League
Referee Kevin Friend
This season G3, Y9, R0, 3 cards per game
Odds H 10-11 A 15-4 D 27-10
Southampton
Subs from McCarthy, Taylor, Stephens, Hoedt, Ward-Prowse, Boufal, Gabbiadini, Austin, McQueen, Bednarek, Hojbjerg, Gardos, Pied, Sims, Hesketh
Doubtful None
Injured Targett (ankle, unknown)
Suspended None
Form WDLWLL
Discipline Y8 R0
Leading scorers Austin, Davis, Gabbiadini, Tadic, Yoshida 1
Newcastle Utd
Subs from Woodman, Darlow, Manquillo, Gámez, Shelvey, Aarons, Diamé, Murphy, Gayle
Doubtful Atsu (calf), Ritchie (match fitness)
Injured Dummett (hamstring, Nov), Haïdara (knee, unknown)
Suspended None
Form LWWWLD
Discipline Y14 R1
Leading scorers Joselu, Lascelles 2