Charlie Austin tries his luck this time, aiming for the bottom right of Martin Dubravka's goal.

Dubravka gets to it easily enough, but sends it out for a Saints corner.

The corner is too long on this occasion but Saints are coming again. They're up for this.

Southampton should be in front!

Ryan Bertrand fires a shot from the edge of the area and his effort deflects kindly for Mohamed Elyounoussi who finds himself one-on-one with Martin Dubravka.

But Elyounoussi can't find a way past the Newcastle goalkeeper and an early chance goes begging for the home side to end their goal drought.

Image source, Reuters

Southampton are enjoying the early possession in front of their home crowd, with the visitors happy to sit back at the start.

Southampton have lost just once at home in 24 previous league meetings with the Magpies, with Newcastle's only victory coming way back in September 2004.

In fact, the Saints' 15 wins over Newcastle is the most they have recorded against any opposition in the Premier League.

However, Rafael Benitez' side did beat the Saints 3-0 in March and will today be aiming to secure consecutive league victories over Southampton for the first time since the 2004-05 season.

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We're off at St Mary's as Newcastle get us under way.

This could, you feel, turn out to be a crucial game for both managers - whichever way it goes.

Southampton boss Mark Hughes: "Our emotions are based on frustrations in terms of what we feel we should have had on the board in terms of points.

"We feel we are a decent side in this league and it is up to us to make sure we get the points on the board which we feel our performances deserve.

"It will be a long process, but we have good signs and a good group who are working hard together. When you have got that, then you always have a chance."

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez: "To be in the bottom three is always bad news. But we finished well last year. I have hope and belief we will adapt and change things.

"We are very close to the first win - and that first win will change everything.

"We know that we have to do better than three teams this season. That is what we have to focus on. I am confident we will win this game against Southampton."

Image source, Getty Images

The teams are walking out onto the pitch at St Mary's, kick-off is moments away.

First, let's hear from the managers.

Needless to say, a win is very important for both sides today - even though we're 'just' nine games in...

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Simon Brotherton
Commentator on BBC TV

This is not the most attractive match of the weekend on paper, but no less important for that.

Both will see this as an opportunity to collect much-needed points. Rock-bottom Newcastle haven't won a game yet, while Southampton just can't seem to find the back of the net.

They cancelled out Bournemouth last week but haven't scored in four league matches, a run going back to the middle of September.

Newcastle slumped to the bottom of the table following last week's 1-0 defeat by Brighton at St James' Park. They became only the fourth side in Premier League history to lose their first five home games of a season and the other three were relegated.

Mark Hughes makes one change to the Southampton side that drew 0-0 with Bournemouth last weekend, as Oriol Romeu replaces Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg who is absent from the squad.

Southampton XI: McCarthy, Soares, Stephens, Hoedt, Bertrand, Elyounoussi, Lemina, Romeu, Redmond, Ings, Austin.

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Newcastle are unchanged as they continue their quest for a first league victory of the campaign, but Salomon Rondon is available from the bench for Rafael Benitez after overcoming a thigh problem.

Newcastle XI: Dubravka, Yedlin, Lascelles, Fernandez, Dummett, Ritchie, Shelvey, Diame, Kenedy, Perez, Muto.

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A Southampton side without a goal in their last four league matches, hosting a Newcastle side still seeking their first Premier League win after nine games of the season.

On paper - and despite the time of year - it isn't set up to be a thriller.

Image source, Getty Images

But football is not played on paper, folks, and given the unpredictable nature of the Premier League I'm remaining optimistic that, given the importance of three points for both sides this afternoon, we could be in for a good game at St Mary's.

The question is, who wants it more?

Image source, Getty Images