Southampton are currently in a spot of bother in the Premier League, having won only three out of their first ten matches this season. The Saints are stranded at the 10th position in the league table and are looking to find some momentum.
The South Coast club have scraped out four draws so far this season, which has been detrimental to their campaign. Their last match also ended in a draw and Mauricio Pellegrino was not impressed by his team’s performance against the Premier League debutants Brighton and Hove Albion.
The wily tactician is now eyeing nothing less than three points, as his team prepares to take on Burnley in their next match in the Premier League, who have performed well so far this season and are currently sitting at the seventh position in the league table. Here is how Pellegrino might field his troops for this tie:
Defence
Southampton are well known for their defensive excellence and it has not disappointed them so far this season as well. The likes of Cedric Soares, Virgil Van Dijk, Wesley Hoedt and Ryan Bertrand dished out a resilient performance against Brighton in their last match, helping their side to share the spoils. They will look to do the same in their next match as well.
Fraser Forster will once again start in the Southampton goal.
Midfield
With Mario lamina injured, James Ward-Prowse might once again feature for the Saints at the heart of the midfield alongside Oriol Romeu. Dusan Tadic and captain Steven Davis are going to be the ones to take the attack to the opposition and help their side get three points from their next encounter.
Sofiane Boufal is expected to start once again in the first team, after his heroics against West Bromwich Albion in their ninth match of the season.
Attack
Manolo Gabbiadini will once again lead the line for the Saints and will need to get his name on the scoring sheet against their immediate opponents Burnley, who are known to have a very strong attacking lineup themselves and have defeated the likes of Chelsea and Everton this season.
Pellegrino will need his Italian ace to be at his best, to ensure maximum points for his side in a crucial match in the Premier League. Here is how they might line up:
