Rafa Benitez vows Newcastle will attack Southampton on Saturday

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has promised the club’s fans they will “attack” Southampton on Saturday following their 2-0 loss to Liverpool.

Saints’ visit to the North East is certainly an example of the proverbial six-pointer, with Newcastle one point and one position ahead of Southampton in the Premier League and both sides flirting with relegation.

After receiving criticism from some quarters for an understandably cautious approach to Newcastle’s away game at Liverpool, Benitez claims there’s no chance of the Magpies being on the defensive for Southampton at St. James’ Park.

“Obviously Southampton will be different [to the Liverpool game]. We play at home with our fans behind us. We have to attack and we have to create chances,” Benitez said as per NUFC Blog.

“Every game is important to us but these types of games against the teams close to us we have to do well in. Every game is important so if you win now everyone says: ‘Fantastic.’ And then we have more confidence. Maybe you can approach the next games with more confidence and you win more.

“But if you can’t win you can still win at the end. You can win the last game and be safe. Every game is an opportunity and nothing else.

“You cannot think about that [the three-week gap]. We have the Tottenham game postponed so it’s one less game. We have to go against Southampton, take three points and if not stay calm and carry on until the end.”

A win for Southampton would see them leapfrog Newcastle in the league by two points.