Burnley vs Southampton: Preview of the Saints clash at the Turf Moor
The first matchup between Southampton and Burnley was all the way back in week 1 that saw the teams split the points in a 0-0 draw at St. Mary’s.
The two teams find themselves next each other on the table, only separated by goal differential. Both teams have found a run of good form after starting the season off poorly.
Burnley are unbeaten in their last 5 and the Saints are unbeaten in their last 4.
The six-pointer on Saturday should be a cagey affair, and I would not be surprised if it ended in a 0-0 draw again or a 1-0 winner. Here is how both teams could come away with the all-important 3 points.
How Burnley Will Win
Sean Dyche has completely turned around the form of his team from the early stages of the season and they are looking like the team of last season. Before a series of draws, Burnley rattled off three wins in a row and go themselves out of the relegation zone.
The Clarets, will feel as though they will be in a prime position to get three points at home. They have not lost at the Turf Moor since Boxing Day in match they conceded 5 goals to Everton in.
Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood will look to spearhead the Burnley attack and get the home side an early lead. If they can score early they can drop back and let their defense go to work. The Saints struggled to create anything when Crystal Palace allowed them to possess the ball and Burnley will be willing to do the same if they take the lead. That is how they could win this match.
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How Southampton Will Win
Southampton, struggled to produce many chances mid-week against Crystal Palace but showed some grit fighting back to get a point at home. Along with that, Hasenhuttl will have spent the last few days planning and prepping for a similar match against the Clarets.
If he can fire up the squad and get them to come out of the gates flying they have a very good chance at winning. The key to this match will be scoring first and if they Saints can nab one early and continue to apply the pressure to Burnley they should win and win comfortable.
The ability of Nathan Redmond to create will be a major factor in this match. Burnley, will be more than happy to sit back and absorb pressure so the key to unlocking the defense will be beating several defenders on the dribble and looking to make passes behind the defensive line.
Predicted Line-ups
Burnley: 4-4-2
Keeper: Tom Heaton
Defenders: Phil Bardsley, James Tarkowski, Ben Mee, Charlie Taylor
Midfielders: Jeff Hendrick, Jack Cork, Ashley Westwood, Dwight McNeil
Forwards: Chris Wood, Ashely Wood
Southampton: 3-4-2-1
Keeper: Alex McCarthy
Defenders: Jan Bednarek, Jannik Vestergaard, Jack Stephens
Midfielders: Yan Valery, Pierre-Emili Hojbjerg, Oriel Romeu, Matt Targett
Attacking Midfielders: Nathan Redmond, James Ward-Prowse
Striker: Danny Ings
Predicted Score
Burnley 0-1 Southampton