Southampton fans here in the Tavern are fearing for their future in the Premier League, as a lack of business in the January transfer window could come back to bite the Saints.

Mauricio Pellegrino has had a rather disastrous first season in charge at St Mary’s, with his performances thus far pointing towards an inevitable exit at the end of the season. Indeed, their latest Premier League fixture against fellow relegation contenders Stoke City epitomised the Saints’ season thus far, in a match that offered very little quality and had many of our locals here in the Tavern falling asleep.

However, Southampton will be hoping to make progress in their bid for survival against Newcastle United, another team flirting with the prospect of relegation after displaying similar inconsistencies. Of course, with only nine matches left to cement their position in the Premier League, today’s trip to St James’ Park could prove vital come the end of the season.

Nevertheless, with today’s game against the Magpies having a huge say in the Saints’ top-flight future, here’s a look at TWO players that Mauricio Pellegrino surely cannot start on Tyneside…

Dusan Tadic

The Serbian has been one of the standout performers in the Southampton side so far this season, as his close quarters dribbling and array of skills often leave defenders in his wake.

However, last weekend’s performance against Stoke City was one of the worst he’s displayed so far this season, with many of our locals beginning to wonder what he actually did in the game. Indeed, there wasn’t a good chance or a decent attempt on goal by the attacking midfielder, as a bad day for Dusan Tadic often sees the rest of the players follow suit.

Therefore, with a season-defining clash against Newcastle United in today’s Premier League encounter, Mauricio Pellegrino should look to replace the 29-year-old with the influential James Ward-Prowse.

Nathan Redmond

Nathan Redmond has established himself as one of the most exciting wingers in English football over the past couple of seasons, as Southampton seem to have uncovered another star on the south coast.

However, our locals are still struggling to work out how the 24-year-old made it into the starting line-up last weekend, as the winger has become all too predictable and wasn’t really too effective. Indeed, a worrying sign for many as they’re still yet to see Redmond score his first goal for the club this season.

Therefore, Mauricio Pellegrino should look to bring in a replacement for the Englishman, as Sofiane Boufal could be preferred out wide after showing glimpses of brilliance so far this season.