3 Head-To-Head Battles That Will Decide Newcastle United Vs Southampton

The talking is almost over and the bravado is about to become a reality as the Barclays Premier League comes storming back into the public sphere this weekend. Newcastle United's opening fixture see the Magpies face Southampton on Sunday (1.30pm kick-off) in a game that is extremely intriguing for both sides. Steve McClaren takes charge of his first competitive match as Magpies boss and he still has decision headaches ahead of the fixture. Does he start new signings Aleksandar Mitrovic and Chancel Mbemba? And does he play his recently-confirmed club captain Fabricio Coloccini, despite the fact the centre-back failed to feature for a single minute of pre-season football? Ronald Koeman's Saints meanwhile arrive in the North East buoyed by the fact they have just qualified for the Europa League with a comfortable 5-0 aggregate victory over Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem - continuing the excellent form which saw them finish in seventh place last season. The Magpies on the other hand only narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of the season and, unlike Southampton, the Toon have seen a complete overhaul of their coaching staff this summer. But who are the key players for both sides going into this game? Who is going to take the match by the scruff of the neck and claim a victory for their side? And who will really be the difference makers on Sunday? WhatCulture.com/NUFC look at three key head-to-head battles that will go a long way towards deciding the outcome of Newcastle United vs Southampton...