Saints Marching
Fansided

Burnley vs Southampton: Prem League – Preview and Predictions

By Ryan Borowski

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 03: Che Adams of Southampton battles for the ball with Rafael Czichos of 1.FC Koln during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Southampton and FC Koln at St. Mary's Stadium on August 03, 2019 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 03: Che Adams of Southampton battles for the ball with Rafael Czichos of 1.FC Koln during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Southampton and FC Koln at St. Mary's Stadium on August 03, 2019 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /
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Southampton are back in action tomorrow when they kick-off the 2019/20 Premier League season at the Turf Moor against Burnley.

You may be having a bit of Déjà vu right now whilst reading this and that because for the second season in-a-row the Saints will be starting their season against the Clarets.

Last year saw a 0-0 draw to open the season but that was under a different manager who we will not speak of right now. This year is a clean slate and Ralph Hasenhuttl has had a complete off-season to shape and mold the team how he wants and will want to get out of the gates hot.

Now, let us take a look at how both teams could win this match tomorrow.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Wesley Hoedt and Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton battle for the header with Jeff Hendrick of Burnley during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Burnley FC at St Mary’s Stadium on August 12, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Wesley Hoedt and Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton battle for the header with Jeff Hendrick of Burnley during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Burnley FC at St Mary’s Stadium on August 12, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

How Burnley Will Win

It is only proper we start with the home side before talking about, the Saints. Burnley, now have a face most Saint fans are familiar with, Jay Rodriguez and he will be looking to score against his former club and open his scoring account for his new one.

After a fantastic first season in the Premier League, the Clarets had a bit of a sophomore slump last season and flirted with relegation until the managed to turn it around a bit towards the end and finish just a point above Southampton.

Burnley’s smash and grab style relies on their defense holding strong and that is what they will have to do Saturday if they wish to win the match. If they hold Southampton’s offense to no goals and they manage to attack on the counter we could see Burnley win this match 1-0.

How Southampton Will Win

I do not think many Saint supporters know what to expect when it comes to the lineup Hasenhuttl trots out there tomorrow but it will be very interesting to see what he does. Whether it is his signature 4-2-2-2 or if he reverts to the 3-4-3 he used last season, fans are expecting the goals to come.

Southampton, will likely have the majority of possession in this match and they will have to be able to break down a deep block if they wish to score and take all three points to start the season.

Last season the club struggled at time breaking down defenses and finishing their chances when they had them but it’s a new season and fresh start and the big Austrian has had a whole off-season to get his tactics set.

I am expecting Che Adams to start and make his debut tomorrow and it will be interesting to watch him and see how he moves and tries to attack a Premier League defense. Another key, as he was much of last year, will be Nathan Redmond and his ability to not only create for himself but others.

I think the Saints will march into the Turf Moor and score first. If, they can get that second goal they will ride comfortably to three points and be level on top of the table on points.

Next. Southampton complete late deadline deal for Augsburg’s Kevin Danso. dark

Predicted Line-ups

Burnley: 4-4-2

Goalkeeper: Nick Pope

Defenders: Matthew Lowton, Ben Mee, Ben Gibson, Charlie Taylor

Midfielders: Jack Cork, Aaron Lennon, Johann Gudmundsson, Jeff Hendrick

Forwards: Jay Rodriguez, Ashley Barnes

Southampton: 5-2-1-2

Goalkeeper: Angus Gunn

Defenders: Yan Valery, Jan Bednarek, Jannik Vestergaard, Wesley Hoedt, Ryan Bertrand

Midfielders: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, James Ward-Prowse

Attacking Midfielder: Nathan Redmond

Forwards: Che Adams, Danny Ings

Predicted Score

Burnley 0-2 Southampton