The Magpies' youngsters go into their final game of 2018 looking to end the year on a high, with Ben Dawson's side keen to extend their unbeaten run to eight matches.

And right-back Sterry is set to make his first appearance in a United shirt since late September after a groin injury which has left the 23-year-old sidelined for the past three months.

Victory against the Saints' second-string could see United climb into the play-off spots of the Premier League 2's second tier, with Southampton currently in fourth with 21 points, only two ahead of Newcastle.

The two sides have already met this season, with Newcastle's Elias Sørensen netting a late equaliser in the Magpies' 1-1 draw on the South Coast, earning a valuable point in the Premier League Cup.

Kick-off at the Saints' Staplewood training ground is at 7pm (GMT).