Two sides with contrasting forms will take each other on at St James' Park in the Premier League on Saturday.
While hosts Newcastle United have won five of their six league matches since the start of November, Southampton have steadily slipped down the table following a run of four games without a victory.
This means that heading into Saturday's encounter, Alan Pardew's side find themselves a place and three points ahead of the Saints in seventh and as many points off a Champions League spot.
The Magpies are also on a high because of their narrow 1-0 win away from home against Manchester United last weekend – their first at Old Trafford in 41 years – thanks to a goal from Yohan Cabaye.
Newcastle have no injury or suspension worries and are likely to name an unchanged team, while visiting Southampton could have defender Nathaniel Clyne and midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin back from their respective injuries.
Recent form
Newcastle: WWWWLW
Southampton: LWLLLD
Possible starting lineups
Newcastle: Krul; Debuchy, Williamson, Coloccini, Santon; Cabaye, Tiote, Anita; Sissoko, Remy, Gouffran
Southampton: Gazzaniga; Chambers; Fonte, Lovren, Shaw; Cork, Ward-Prowse; Lallana, Davis, Rodriguez; Osvaldo
Sports Mole says: 2-2