Burnley started their 2017/18 Premier League campaign on a high note, having pulled off a shock win against the defending champions Chelsea in their very first match of the season. At one point of time, the Clarets under the tutelage of Sean Dyche were looking to dominate the table with their consistent performances against the big names of English top flight football as their fans dreamt of seeing them in Europe next season.
That dream continues to keep Dyche’s men in the hunt for a finish in the top six as the Clarets find themselves standing at the seventh spot in the Premier League table, having won and lost nine while drawing the other nine of their 27 encounters so far this term. However, their abysmal run of form in the last ten matches, which has seen them win none since 13th December 2017, might be their biggest challenge in fulfilling the quest for a place in Europe.
The Clarets will look for a welcome change in their lineup, as there is a possibility for the Newzealand international Chris Wood to make a comeback. The former Leeds United forward, who was brought to Turf Moor during the summer transfer window, has missed a chunk of the season with an injury and might now be fit enough to feature in the Burnley lineup in their next match against Southampton. Wood reportedly took part in a closed-door practice match against Blackpool earlier this week but there is more chance of him being used as a substitute rather than making it into the starting XI.
Burnley are also set to welcome Dean Marney, Phil Bardsley and star defender James Tarkowski to their squad as the trio look fit enough for a comeback but are set to miss out on Scott Arfield, who is down with a calf injury. Robbie Brady, Steven Defour and Jon Walters also remain on the sideline with knee injuries.
This is how the Clarets might lineup ahead of their clash against Southampton.
Predicted Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
Nick Pope is set to start another match for the Clarets in the goal.
Sean Dyche might look to stick to the trusted pair of central defenders in the form of Ben Mee and Kevin Long along with Matthew Lowton and Charlie Taylor featuring on either side of the backline for Burnley.
Midfield
A two-man defensive midfield featuring Jeff Hendrick and Jack Cork will look to give stability to the side while Ashley Barnes along with Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Aaron Lennon will look to make it difficult for the Southampton defenders in their next match.
Attack
Though Chris Wood is set to make a comeback in the Burnley squad, it doesn’t look like Dyche will take the risk of using him in the starting lineup. It might rather be Sam Vokes to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the line for the Clarets in the all-important fixture against Southampton.
