Eddie Howe has confirmed Jonjo Shelvey and Allan Saint-Maximin are both pushing for starts in Newcastle United's clash at Southampton. The pair have spent spells on the sidelines and substitute appearances in the Magpies' comfortable win over Aston Villa last time out.
Ralph Hassenhuttl is under pressure following a poor start to the season, and the Saints currently sit just one point and place above the relegation zone. Newcastle registered a 2-1 win in their last visit to St Mary's in March as Howe's side pulled clear of relegation danger.
United have three more fixtures to negotiate ahead of the World Cup break, with a Carabao Cup tie with Crystal Palace and home encounter with Chelsea to come. The Magpies will likely have to rely on the squad ahead of a busy final week, and these are the six absentees and doubts facing the head coach.
