Southampton will go top of the league for the first time since 1988 if they beat Newcastle on Friday night and fans can’t hide their excitement.
The Saints have never been the pace-setters during the Premier League era. However, an outstanding run of form has put them on the brink of ending their barren spell.
After losing their opening two games, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have won four of their last five matches. This has seen them move into fifth place ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.
Within touching distance
Securing three points against the Magpies would see them topple current leaders Liverpool.
Friday’s game promises to be an historic occasion for the South Coast side, and some supporters have taken to social media to voice their excitement.
Southampton fans react
Ings absent
If Southampton are to go top, they will have to do so without top scorer Danny Ings.
The striker suffered a knee injury in the latter stages of last week’s win against Aston Villa. He has undergone surgery this week and is expected to be out for up to six weeks.
Ryan Bertrand and Jan Bednarek are also doubts for the game with hamstring and head injuries respectively.
They may be joined on the sidelines by Ibrahima Diallo, who is struggling to recover from a dead leg.
Key duo to step up
With Ings likely to be absent for at least the next month, Hasenhuttl is likely to be reliant on key duo Che Adams and James Ward-Prowse in the coming weeks.
Adams has shone in recent matches, scoring against Chelsea and Everton last month.
Meanwhile, captain Ward-Prowse continues to lead by example. The 26-year-old netted two free-kicks during last weekend’s victory at Villa Park.
The pair are responsible for five of Southampton’s 14 goals so far this season. If they can add to that tally this weekend, it could see the Saints sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League table.
Exciting times could loom for Southampton fans.
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