Burnley vs Southampton: Can Saints bounce back from poor start?
Southampton go to take on Burnley this Saturday at the Turf Moor as both teams look to get their first win in the League this season.
Last season, this fixture did not go so well for the Saints as they lost 3-0 in the opener to Burnley and then lost in the reverse fixture 2-1. Southampton need to turn around this season and it pains me to say this is already a pivotal match just 3 matches in.
The Saints, outside of Redmond, are healthy and hopefully, back at fitness levels, Hasenhuttl deems acceptable. Both sides will see this as a match they can win and it will likely be a cagey affair with limited chances for both sides.
With that said, let us take a look at how both sides can win this match.
How Burnley Will Win
The blueprint is out and it fits right into how Burnley play. Crystal Palace showed everyone that the Saints still struggle when they are in possession and are vulnerable on the counter. Burnley, excel in this style of play and will be excited to play this match.
They also beat Southampton twice last season so they will be feeling confident on all fronts really going into this one and suspect they will be on their A-game. They just need to limit Danny Ings and chances others will get with the Saints having the majority of possession.
How Southampton Will Win
When Southampton took on Tottenham they played a good match but got absolutely dismantled by long balls over the top. If they can address this issue they will like their chances in this match.
They will see the majority of the possession and need to produce goal-scoring chances from it. They have struggled with this in the past but with Danny Ings movement and Djenepo’s ability on the ball I like their chances to score a couple of goals.
Mentally, the Saints may be feeling the pressure to secure a win and cannot let that impact their play. Chances will come and they will need to be ready to take them when they come. I think Ings will add to his goal tally and nab another.
Next. Four midfielders Saints could sign before transfer deadline. dark
Predicted Lineups
Burnley: 4-4-2
Goalkeeper: Nick Pope
Defenders: Phil Bardsley, Kevin Long, Jimmy Dunne, Charlie Taylor
Midfielders: Erik Pieters, Ashley Westwood, Josh Brownhill, Dwight McNeil
Strikers: Matej Vydra, Chris Wood
Southampton: 4-2-2-2
Goalkeeper: Alex McCarthy
Defenders: Kyle Walker-Peters, Jan Bednarek, Jack Stephens, Ryan Bertrand
Midfielders: James Ward-Prowse, Will Smallbone
Attacking Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong, Moussa DJenepo
Strikers: Danny Ings, Che Adams
Predicted Score
Burnley 1-2 Southampton