In-form Southampton will host newly-promoted Burnley on Sunday at the St. Mary’s Stadium in the eighth game-week of the Premier League. The Saints are unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions and have conceded zero goals in the process. Burnley, on the other hand, have struggled at times after their comeback to the Premier League. Southampton, on paper, look too strong for Sean Dyche’s side but Claude Puel cannot afford his side to get complacent. The Frenchman has to bear in his mind that Burnley were the only team this season to beat high-flying Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
The Saints had a 0-0 stalemate against Leicester City prior to the international break which was a good result considering that Puel’s side were jaded after playing so many games on the bounce. They will be eager to start from exactly where they finished off before the break. Here is the predicted Southampton lineup vs Burnley.
Defence
Fraser Forster will continue under the bar ahead of Alex McCarthy. Cedric Soares is likely to start in the right-back position shaking off a minor knock. The centre-back pairing will be skipper Jose Fonte and Virgil van Dijk. Ryan Bertrand and Matt Targett both are doubtful for the game but both should make it to full fitness in time.
We expect Ryan Bertrand to keep his place in the left-back position. Southampton have been exceptional defensively in the last six games, keeping clean sheets in all games and Puel will be asking for the seventh straight one.
Midfield
We expect Oriol Romeu to continue at the base of the midfield diamond. The Spaniard plays a key role for Claude Puel’s side by breaking opponents’ game and spraying passes towards his teammates from the deep. Steven Davis is likely to start alongside Jordy Clasie in midfield.
Dušan Tadic is likely to start at the tip of midfield and will offer the creativity. Southampton’s club-record signing Sofiane Boufal is finally fit but he might have to wait for his chance to impress. We expect the Moroccan to start from the bench and get a few minutes later in the game to gain match fitness.
Attack
Charlie Austin is in amazing form right now having scored five goals in the last five games and will be looking to get on the scoresheet again as he starts up front. Nathan Redmond is likely to partner his compatriot up front in a two-pronged attack.
