Fabricio Coloccini was handed a brand new two-year contract and the captain's armband last week as Newcastle United showed their faith in their Argentine defender. The 33-year-old has a lot to prove, his form was woeful last season and his loyalty has been questioned over the last few months. If Mike Williamson starts alongside him against Southampton then they could really struggle with the Saints' front line.
Centre-Back - Mike Williamson
Mike Williamson's aerial presence will earn him a start against Southampton as Steve McClaren still addresses his centre-back options. Steven Taylor and new signing Chancel Mbemba will be ready to pounce if the 31-year-old makes some of the same errors he did last season.
NCTJ-accredited football writer with an MA in Sports Journalism. What Culture football editor. Write for the official Newcastle United programme. Former video reporter at North News. Featured and published in the Sunderland Echo, Shields Gazette, Mail Online, The Mirror, The Sun and others.
