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

2. MIDFIELD - Georginio Wijnaldum (NUFC) Vs Sadio Mane (Saints)

Newcastle United's £14.5 million summer signing from PSV Eindhoven has been brought in to add goals to the Magpies' midfield - which is exactly what Sadio Mane has given the Saints since arriving 12 months ago. These two both have exceptional goal-scoring pedigree for midfielders. Last season, Wijnaldum captained PSV to the Eredivisie title by banging in 14 goals in 33 appearances (32 starts, one off the bench). Mane, meanwhile, netted 10 times for the Saints - including the quickest ever Premier League hat-trick against Aston Villa - in 30 appearances (24 starts, six off the bench).

What's more, they both contributed a reasonable three assists for their teammates, as well as providing almost identical key passes per game (1.2 for Wijnaldum, 1.3 for Mane) and dribbles per match stats (1.9 to 2). It is only when you get to the defensive side of the game, with Mane tackling more regularly per game than Wijnaldum (1.3 to 1), that differences between the two really start to show - and even then they are marginal.

Put simply, Newcastle and Southampton have two of the most-prolific goal-scoring midfielders in Europe at their disposal, and they will clash on Sunday. If one of the pair manages to break from the shackles of the opposition's defensive-midfielders, then they could prove to be the difference maker. Verdict: Too close to call. Both are prolific from midfield, and it is more a case of whether their teammates can supply them as to who comes out on top in this one.