Prediction: Burnley vs Southampton

Prediction: Burnley win

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: bet365

The English Premier League is back in our lives, and it’s time to start giving our thoughts on what’s going to happen from week to week as twenty clubs attempt to exceed all expectations put in front of them. It’s been a busy summer full of many transfers and quite a few international tournaments, meaning that it hasn’t really felt like we’ve been away for all too long. Now, though, is where it starts to get serious, with the first game on the bill for us being Burnley vs Southampton.

Burnley

While Burnley haven’t exactly had the most dramatic of declines in the last few years, they’re certainly a long way away from the team that managed to qualify for the Europa League. Over the course of the summer, however, they’ve brought in a few new faces and they also seem to have put some stability back into the club. Avoiding relegation will be the primary objective once again which won’t come as much of a surprise to their fans, but we’d argue the Clarets should be cautiously optimistic.

Team News

Steven Defour is out of action with an injury whereas Brady, Long, Tarkowski and Cork are all doubts. Barnes is expected to get the nod to make an appearance in the starting XI.

Southampton

Much like Burnley, the Saints were in a spot of bother last season and looked like they were going to slip down into the Championship on more than one occasion. They were able to survive, but when it comes to their goals for the upcoming season, they still seem to be a bit off the pace in regards to where they want to be. They’ve got a manager that seems to have a good head on his shoulders, though, and they possess the kind of squad that will fight tooth and nail for every ball from the first minute until the very last.

Team News

There are no fresh injury concerns for the visitors to worry about, with both Djenepo and Adams being tipped to make their competitive debuts in this game.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Burnley’s Turf Moor.
• Burnley finished in 15th place in the Premier League last season.
• Southampton finished in 16th place in the Premier League last season.
• Burnley are expected to play a 4-4-2 formation.
• Southampton are expected to play a 4-2-2-2 formation.

Conclusion

As much experience as Southampton may have when it comes to the Premier League, we aren’t so confident that they are going to get anything from this game. Sean Dyche is one of the most talented managers in all of English football, and it’s about time that Burnley get back to their former glories. They may not end up finishing in the top half this season, but in many ways, that isn’t the point. We think they’ll pick up the three points here, getting their season off to a positive start.

Prediction: Burnley win

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: bet365