Southampton are going up against Burnley for their Premier League fixture at Turf Moor on Saturday. The Saints finally ended their winless streak with a 2-3 away win over West Brom earlier in the month but against delved back into losing ways with a 0-2 showing at home against Liverpool on the 11th of February.
Mauricio Pellegrino’s men were completely outclassed offensively against the Reds in their last game a win tonight is more than necessary to keep their survival hopes alive. They are 6 points ahead of West Brom from the bottom-most spot and can take charge of the fact that their just a 4-point differential for the bottom half teams in the Premier League between them and the 11th spot.
It is still not too late for Pellegrino to get his team in place and follow in the footsteps of Crystal Palace, West Ham United and recently Swansea City, who all have dug themselves out of the last 3 with a run of wins.
Sean Dyche’s men got the better of the visitors in the last fixture with a 1-0 win and would like nothing better than to return to winning ways themselves. Their impressive run of form has dipped since the start of the year after a well-deserved rest period will be hard to match up to for Pellegrino.
Here is how Southampton might line up on game day.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
Alex McCarthy has replaced Fraser Forster as the number one choice in between the sticks. The 28-year-old has been solid in between the sticks and should get the nod for this fixture to appear in front of the Southampton goal.
Cedric Soares is expected to resume his duties on the right-back position.
Jack Stephens and Wesley Hoedt are the top picks to pair up in the centre-back roles.
Ryan Bertrand might provide cover from the left. He is good on both ends of the pitch and will provide the team’s attack with some width.
Midfield
Oriel Romeu might be paired up with Pierre-Emile Højbjerg in the defensive midfield position. Mario Lemina picked up a knock in the last fixture against the Reds.
Sofiane Boufal is eager to make his name known but will have to come off the bench if required behind Dusan Tadic.
Steven Davis might make a return to the attacking midfield-position and James Ward-Prowse fielded next to him on the right.
Attack
Guido Carrilo made his debut start in the last game but looked less than impressive. He should be given another chance to prove himself.
