Newcastle (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Elliot; Debuchy, S Taylor, Coloccini, Haidara; Tioté, Cabaye; Goufrann, Sissoko, Gutierrez; Cissé.
Out: Ben Arfa, Sa Ameobi (both hamstring), R Taylor (knee).
Tests: Krul (ankle), Tioté (illness), Santon (ankle).
Southampton (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Boruc; Clyne, Yoshida, Hooiverld, Shaw; Cork, Schneiderlin; Puncheon, S Davis, Rodriguez; Lambert.
Out: Do Prado (knee), Fonte (knee).
Tests: Ramirez (leg), Shaw (unspecified).
Referee: Chris Foy. Matches: 17. R0 Y33.
Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul is a doubt for Sunday's Premier League game with Southampton after leaving Thursday night's Europa League clash at Metalist Kharkiv with an ankle injury.
The Holland international was hurt by a Jonathan Cristaldo challenge and hobbled away from the Metalist Stadium on crutches, but manager Alan Pardew is hopeful that he can retain his place in the team despite putting Rob Elliot on alert.
Midfielder Cheick Tioté could return after missing the 1-0 win in Ukraine through illness, full-back Mathieu Debuchy and striker Yoan Gouffran, who are ineligible in Europe, are available once again, while Davide Santon is back in training after an ankle problem.
Hatem Ben Arfa will not be rushed back after 10 weeks on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, defender Luke Shaw and midfielder Gaston Ramirez could return at Newcastle.
The pair missed the 3-1 defeat of Manchester City two weeks ago with knocks but could feature at St James' Park.
Defender Jose Fonte remains sidelined with a knee complaint, while striker Guly do Prado is a doubt.
Midfielder Adam Lallana could make his first start since suffering a knee injury on December 8 and defender Vegard Forren could make his debut.
Match Notes
If Southampton are not relishing the 280-mile journey to tSt James' Park, spare a thought for Newcastle, who had to endure a 1,600-mile flight back from Kharkiv ahead of this game.
However, progression into the last 16 of the Europa Cup has brought a much-welcome high to a Newcastle season that was in danger of imploding.
Now back to the business of the Premier League with two teams separated only by goal difference and with Southampton boosted by their 3-1 win over Manchester City.
Stat of the game: In 36 league visits to St James’ Park Southampton have won only four, most recently in 1997.
