Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez eager for reunion with former No 2 Mauricio Pellegrino ahead of Southampton trip

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Rafa Benitez is relishing a battle with old friend Mauricio Pellegrino on Sunday as Newcastle travel to Southampton.

As well as managing the Argentinian manager and former defender at Valencia, the Newcastle boss Benitez appointed him as his assistant at both Liverpool and Inter Milan.

At St Mary's on Sunday though, the Spaniard will be in the away dug-out as his former adviser sends his Southampton team out hoping to move above the Magpies in the Premier League.

Rafa Benitez feels former No 2 Mauricio Pellegrino has an advantage ahead of Sunday's clash

The Magpies boss takes his side to St Mary's to face Southampton in the Premier League

'He is someone who has always been focused and worked hard. He likes football and likes to study and learn,' Benitez said.

'He knows everything about me because he was my player and assistant. He has an advantage, but at the same time we know him really well too. It is a special situation.

'If you wanted to say something or change something, he would know already. Players don't analyse the game, but when you are a coach, you know tactics and how people prepare for a game.

'He will have an advantage, but we will have that advantage too.'

Newcastle have lost one in their last five with a draw against Liverpool their last result

The Saints have won only once at St Mary's so far this season, and Newcastle will arrive hoping to build upon a run of only one defeat in their last five games, culminating in a creditable home draw with Liverpool before the international break.

They will do so with several members of their squad having returned from World Cup qualifying duty on a high - striker Aleksandar Mitrovic helped Serbia to reach next summer's finals while Rob Elliot and Ciaran Clark were in the Republic of Ireland squad which booked a play-off spot with victory in Wales.

'We have some of them that were quite happy, the Irish in particular - that is good. When you have so many around, some will be fine and some have to prepare for the next challenge,' Benitez added.

'The main thing is they are focused on the weekend.'

Jonjo Shelvey will be available despite breaking a finger trying to separate team-mates Jamaal Lascelles and Mohamed Diame during a training ground bust-up.

The midfielder is expected to play wearing a special cast to protect the injury. 

Benitez's former No 2 can overtake his former boss on Sunday with a win