Che Adams could be the man Ralph Hasenhuttl will turn to in the absence of Danny Ings. The in-form striker will be out of action for up to six weeks after picking up a knee injury against Aston Villa. The slim-margin victory will be a huge plus for Southampton, but the absence of their clinical forward will have hit them hard.

The Saints shift their attention to Newcastle, who are also having a strong start to their 2020/21 season. Hasenhuttl must make some important changes as he searches for another three points. Steve Bruce will not want to suffer defeat and could prove to be a very tricky opponent at the weekend.

Che Adams' time to step up during Ings absence

Ings and Adams have already struck up a strong partnership in the heart of Southampton's attack. The duo have a combined seven goals and four assists so far this season (via BBC Sport). Whilst the former Liverpool man is the more threatening player, Adams has his chance to impress the boss on Friday evening.

Alan Shearer has recently backed the 24-year-old, praising him for his goal against Manchester City at the end of last season.

"So many brilliant performances and what about Che Adams' goal," the former Southampton and Newcastle icon said. "He will never forget this and so he shouldn’t."

Similarly, Hasenhuttl has applauded the Englishman "who works so hard for the team" (27:45) ahead of the clash against Newcastle. His belief in the striker will be a huge boost in motivation and could pave the way for a new, inspired starting lineup. The Austrian usually opts for a double strike force and two wide players, but a front three could be deployed in a set-up that may see Adams flourish and help fill Southampton's Ings-shaped hole.

In other news, Kyle Walker-Peters could be given huge Southampton responsibility amid crisis...