Newcastle United predicted starting XI vs Southampton as Eddie Howe unleashes £120m attack

With the Saints newly-promoted after bouncing back to England’s top-flight at the first attempt, Howe’s side go into the encounter at St James’ Park as overwhelming favourites.

But Howe says his team are under no illusions about challenge that faces them as they look to make winning start to the season.

“[They’re a] very good team,” said United’s head coach. “Russell [Martin] has coached them superbly. They play a really good style of football so we know the test we have. We’re under no illusions.

“I know everyone else doesn’t watch the games as intently as we would in terms of watching the opposition in the depth that we do. It’s a tough start for us.”

Newcastle had a productive pre-season, first travelling to the Adidas headquarters in Herzogenaurach for a week-long training camp which was rounded-off with a 3-1 win over German third-tier side SpVgg Unterhaching.

The Magpies returned to home soil, beating Hull City 2-0 before jetting off to Tokyo, where they their opening game 4-1 against Urawa Red Diamonds but lost the second game 2-0 to Yokohama F.Marinos.

Back-to-back friendlies on consecutive days against Girona and Stade Brestois at St James’ Park last weekend allowed Howe to get 90 minutes into most of his players’ legs.

Who has done enough to make the XI versus the Saints? NewcastleWorld predicts the side Howe will name: