Burnley will play hosts to Premier League strugglers Southampton at the Turf Moor looking to bag all three points. Sean Dyche’s side has struggled in recent times and has not tasted victory in any of their last 10 outings in the Premier League. Their last win came midway through December 2017 when they secured a narrow 1-0 over Stoke City. The Clarets will hope that they can finally get a win in 2018 when they lace up to face the Saints on Saturday. The visitors are currently in 18th place and are in dire need of some favourable results so it won’t be an easy contest for Burnley and an upset might be on the cards.
The recent history of the fixture makes a grim reading for Southampton fans as the Clarets have won their last two meetings with the Hampshire outfit. It is expected that Sean Dyche will opt for a 4-4-2 formation and there might be a return in the left back position for Stephen Ward. It remains to be seen whether the home side can go back to winning ways in the Premier League versus Mauricio Pellegrino’s side, who are in real danger of getting relegated.
4-4-2 Burnley Predicted Lineup To Face Southampton
Defence
Nick Pope is in line to start again in goal for the Clarets and has conceded one goal in each of his last 5 matches. He might be shielded by a back four consisting of Ben Mee and Kevin Long at the heart of the defence while Matthew Lowton takes his place at right-back and Stephen Ward plays as the left-back.
The success of this Burnley team has been built on their defence this season. The Clarets have just conceded 24 goals in 27 Premier League matches so far which is the fourth best defensive record in the division. We can expect another tight performance at the back by Sean Dyche’s men.
Midfield
Jack Cork and Jeff Hendrick will start for the Clarets at the centre of the park with Jóhann Berg Guðmundsson hugging the left touchline while Aaron Lennon looks to use his pace on the right flank. It will up to the midfield four to help their defence and also provide support to their forwards in the final third.
Attack
Ashley Barnes is expected to partner Sam Vokes up top and will be responsible to lead the lines for Burnley on Saturday. Sean Dyche may call upon the services of Chris Wood from the bench if required if the forward can recover in time for the match.
