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Burnley vs. Southampton: Opposition threat

By Chris Hughes

SWANSEA, WALES - FEBRUARY 10: Sean Dyche, Manager of Burnley arrives prior to the Premier League match between Swansea City and Burnley at Liberty Stadium on February 10, 2018 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)
SWANSEA, WALES - FEBRUARY 10: Sean Dyche, Manager of Burnley arrives prior to the Premier League match between Swansea City and Burnley at Liberty Stadium on February 10, 2018 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images) /
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BURNLEY, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 30: Jeff Hendrick of Burnley scores his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Newcastle United at Turf Moor on October 30, 2017 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 30: Jeff Hendrick of Burnley scores his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Newcastle United at Turf Moor on October 30, 2017 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /

Jeff Hendrick

The Irishman is often deployed as almost a second striker under Dyche, playing behind whichever forward whilst also being able to slot into a flat midfield.

Hendrick is a smart player and makes intelligent runs – he’ll look to attack any space given to him if Southampton’s defenders are attempting to win long balls into Burnley’s forwards.

With Vokes’ flick-on ability he can easily find Hendrick, who despite just two goals all season is a composed finisher when he’s given the chance.

Whether it be Mario Lemina, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg or Oriol Romeu, Southampton’s defensive midfielders need to keep tabs on him for the full 90 to make sure he isn’t given the space in the hole which he desires.