Alistair Mann
MOTD commentator

Image source, Getty Images

Any meeting which pits the two sides immediately above the drop zone has genuine resonance but in the final quarter of the season, it can become pivotal.

With both Newcastle and Southampton realistically requiring at least three wins from their remaining nine games to stay up there's no better opposition to secure one of those against, with the psychological damage it inflicts as precious as the points themselves.

That said, neither can claim to have that winning habit; the hosts though can at least boast one league victory in their last seven matches, while the Saints have secured just one in 16!

In the circumstances, a nervy, yet truly enticing clash is assured.

Three changes for Newcastle from the side that lost 2-0 at Liverpool as Jonjo Shelvey, Matt Ritchie and Ayoze Perez return to the starting line-up.

Newcastle: Dubravka, Yedlin, Lascelles, Lejeune, Dummett, Ritchie, Shelvey, Diame, Kenedy, Perez, Gayle. Substitutes: Darlow, Clark, Murphy, Manquillo, Joselu, Merino, Atsu.

Image source, .

Just the two changes for Southampton from their goalless draw against Stoke last Saturday with James Ward-Prowse and Pierre-Emile Hojberg starting.

Southampton: McCarthy, Soares, Stephens, Hoedt, Bertrand, Højbjerg, Lemina, Ward-Prowse, Tadic, Redmond, Carrillo. Substitutes: Forster, Long, Romeu, Boufal, Gabbiadini, Bednarek, Sims.

Image source, .

Guy Mowbray
Match of the Day commentator

Image source, Getty Images

A big game that marks the start of a key run for Huddersfield.

After Swansea, it is Crystal Palace and then Newcastle - three in a row that will see David Wagner send his Terriers out with bite, rather than merely to defend their territory as against Spurs last weekend and when taking on most of the 'big dogs' this season.

Swansea's approach has been to attack ever since Carlos Carvalhal took charge at the end of December.

It's working too. Over his nine Premier League games, the Swans are fifth in the form table and looking good to stay up. The loquacious Portuguese is winning lots of friends with his affable nature - but even more by winning games.

David Wagner makes three changes to the side that lost at Spurs, with Aaron Mooy, Tom Ince and Scott Malone coming in for Danny Williams, Collin Quaner and Terence Kongolo.

Huddersfield starting XI: Lossl, Hadergjonaj, Jorgensen, Schindler, Malone, Ince, Hogg, Mooy, Pritchard, van La Parra, Mounie

Image source, Opta

Swansea's line-up is unchanged from the starting XI in the 4-1 win over West Ham last time out.

Swansea starting XI: Fabianski, van der Hoorn, Fernandez, Mawson, Naughton, King, Ki Sung-yueng, Clucas, Olsson, A Ayew, J Ayew

Image source, Opta

A notable absence at The Hawthorns, where Jonny Evans misses out for West Brom. The club captain was doubtful with a virus and has now been confirmed out.

Sam Allardyce looks to breathe some life into his struggling Everton side by restoring Wayne Rooney to the starting line-up. That's one of four changes made by Big Sam.

Full teams from all of the games to follow...

Teams dropping in a couple of minutes. I know what they are, but can't tell you until I get the nod...

Jermaine Jenas
Former Tottenham midfielder on Football Focus

Southampton don’t win games, it's that simple. Lots of draws. We've seen some big performances from others down there in the relegation fight. Palace got wins, so did Swansea. You can see how that propels you out. Draws don’t do that. And they don’t score enough goals.

Josh Verills: Season defining game for West Ham today; can’t afford anything other than a win against Burnley. Our end of season run in is harder than the teams around us. Moyes has to get the team selection and tactics correct from the start.

And, as ever, you can can get in touch.

Text 81111 or tweet using the hashtag #bbcfootball., external

Tell me where you are and what you're up to, especially if you're on the way to a game.

If you're so moved, you could also tell me which other two teams are going down from the Premier League. I'm taking West Brom as a given...

Jermaine Jenas
Former Tottenham midfielder on Football Focus

Newcastle’s team have done wonders to get where they are. Slimani hasn’t been fit and they need goals. This is a massive game for them, they need to win. And I think they might do it.

BBC Radio 5 live

Before that magic moment at the top of the hour, we can do a little housekeeping.

As well as following this informative and entertaining live text commentary, you can listen to BBC Radio 5 live on your wireless or at the top of this page.

Their base will be the Newcastle-Southampton game, but they'll keep you bang up to date with the goals as they go in.

Huddersfield-Swansea is almost as big as the rumble at St James' Park, with the winners probably afforded some precious breathing space.

Similarly, West Ham will be much more relaxed about their plight if they can claim three points at home to Burnley.

For West Brom, though, defeat at home to Leicester will have them a step closer to an 'R' next to their name.

Team news coming up very soon...

At one end of the scale, whoever wins out of Everton and Brighton can probably book their place in next year's Premier League sticker album now (realistically, the losers will probably be in there too).

In contrast, the team on the wrong end of the Newcastle-Southampton result will be sweating like a man locked in a sauna.

Yep, there are only nine Premier League games remaining - nine opportunities for those teams sliding down the helter-skelter towards the trapdoor to drag themselves towards safety.

On this Saturday afternoon, eight of the bottom 11 are in action at 15:00 GMT...

Or you could be, well, sunk...

Image source, Reuters

Or perhaps you're desperately trying to stay afloat...

Image source, Getty Images

Maybe you can taste survival, see the shore...

Image source, PA

The clock ticks. The grains of sand gradually slip by. Days are crossed off the calendar.

Time is running out.