United visit is ‘massive’ for Saints

SOUTHAMPTON defender Jack Stephens has labelled this weekend’s crunch Premier League clash with Newcastle as ‘massive’ for the Saints.

Newcastle head to St Mary’s without a win in their opening nine games and sitting bottom of the Premier League.

Rafa Benitez still has the full backing of the board amid speculation over his future but the Magpies need to start delivering results – and fast.

The Spaniard was compromised in the summer transfer market but he would be the first to admit Newcastle should have got more from their opening matches.

With more favourable fixtures coming up for United, the time to deliver is now – starting at St Mary’s on Saturday.

Southampton narrowly avoided relegation last season and are without a home win this term.

Manager Mark Hughes leads Benitez in the betting in the Premier League sack race and the Welshman is also under pressure to deliver on Saturday.

The enormity of the game has not been lost on Stephens or the Southampton players.

“Next weekend against Newcastle is massive, there is no getting away from that,” said Stephens

“It is a home game, in front of our fans, and we are aware we have not won at home this season yet.

“So we need to give them something to cheer about and we need to get three points. “Maybe we have not gained what we have deserved in games but the table doesn’t lie.

“Things have not quite gone for us.

“We need the fans at home, you could hear them at Bournemouth and they make such a difference.”