Mark Lawrenson makes intriguing Newcastle United scoreline prediction ahead of Southampton clash

Writing his weekly predictions column for BBC Sport, pundit and broadcaster Mark Lawrenson tipped the two sides to played out a 1-1 draw.

Justifying his prediction, this ex-Liverpool footballer contended: "Southampton striker Danny Ings is out for up to six weeks with a knee injury, which is a massive blow.

"One player does not make a team, but everything Saints do really does revolve around him. I don't think their manager, Ralph Hassenhuttl, will change his system on Friday but it will be a lot less effective without Ings because he sniffs goals out for fun."

Lawro continued: "I don't see Newcastle creating much at St Mary's, but Steve Bruce will set them up to make things difficult for Southampton and, in Callum Wilson, the Magpies have their own in-form striker who can nick them a goal."

Meanwhile, Lawro's opponent for the week, singer-songwriter Amy MacDonald, opted for a 2-1 Saints win, and argued: "Both of these sides are doing well and this should be a good game.

"Newcastle got a good win over Everton last time out but Southampton would be top of the table if it was based on the past five games and they are absolutely smashing it at the moment."

The last time the two sides met, back in March, the Magpies won 1-0 at St. Mary's thanks to a Allan Saint-Maximin's second-half goal.