Saints Marching
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Burnley vs Southampton: Prem League – Opposition Threats

By Edward Waugh

BURSLEM, ENGLAND - JULY 20: David Amoo of Port Vale and Jeff Hendrick of Burnley in action during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Port Vale and Burnley at Vale Park on July 20, 2019 in Burslem, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
BURSLEM, ENGLAND - JULY 20: David Amoo of Port Vale and Jeff Hendrick of Burnley in action during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Port Vale and Burnley at Vale Park on July 20, 2019 in Burslem, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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BURNLEY, ENGLAND – JULY 30: Jay Rodriguez of Burnley celebrates with Ashley Barnes after scoring the sixth goal during a pre-season friendly match between Burnley and Nice at Turf Moor on July 30, 2019 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – JULY 30: Jay Rodriguez of Burnley celebrates with Ashley Barnes after scoring the sixth goal during a pre-season friendly match between Burnley and Nice at Turf Moor on July 30, 2019 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

Jay Rodriguez

Obviously a predictable choice, but Jay Rodriguez is well-known by the Southampton faithful following his tenure at the club; and on his day was a real asset on the south-coast.

Rodriguez recently joined Burnley after originally moving from the Clarets to join Southampton back in June of 2012, ahead of the club’s promotion to the Premier League; therefore is in his second spell with his boyhood club.

If it hadn’t been for a long-term injury in the 2013/14 campaign, Rodriguez might have been still on the south-coast as a top end Premier League striker; however on his return, looked like his speed had dropped and confidence shot in front of goal.

The player left for West Brom, ahead of the 2017/18 season, failing to make an impression at the Saints. What followed was relegation with the midlands club, but in the championship Rodriguez thrived with a goal involvement of 28 goals in 47 games (cup appearances included).

In being rejuvenated, the 30-year-old Burnley lad could be a real threat, his confidence will be sky high and to add playing for his home-town team; will be extremely motivated to make the impact that he failed to make in his previous Premier League season.