Prediction: Burnley vs Southampton

Verdict: Southampton and under 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 7/2

Bookmaker: Bet 365

Southampton will aim on moving out of the relegation zone on Saturday when they travel to a Burnley side without a win in 10 games. We preview the Premier League clash.

Burnley

Even though Burnley are on a terrible run of form, they’re still sitting comfortably on 36 points in the Premier League. Sean Dyche’s team‘s terrific start to the campaign has undoubtedly allowed some breathing space where relegation is concerned. Their aim pre-season would have been to stay in the division, and it looks likely they will achieve their goal. However, the Clarets will be slightly worried by the fact their last win came against Stoke on December 12. Not only are they struggling for any consistency, but the goals seem to be drying up too. Dyche’s men have scored just six times in the past 12 games. In truth, the English manager has struggled drastically in terms of injury problems. Eight important players are currently sidelined and it seems to have seriously derailed their promising start to the campaign. However, the Clarets may be able to take heart from the fact they picked up an extremely credible 1-1 draw against Manchester City last time out at Turf Moor.

Team News

Burnley could welcome back Dean Marney, Chris Wood, Phil Bardsley, and James Tarkowski, from injury.

Meanwhile, Robbie Brady, Steven Defour, and Jon Walters all remain sidelined.

Southampton

It seems that manager Mauricio Pellegrino has finally made his his mark on Southampton after they have found a bit of form recently. Even though the Saints find themselves in the relegation zone, they have only lost twice since the start of the calendar year. There’s definitely been some improvement on the road too. It is now five games unbeaten for Pellegrino away from St Mary’s and they were able to pick up an impressive 3-2 against West Brom last time out. They’ll also gain a lot of confidence by the fact they’ve got an FA cup quarter-final on the horizon against League 1 team Wigan Athletic. There’s a great chance the Saints can make it to Wembley, and that will be a huge boost for the club in terms of their survival chances. In terms of Saturday’s match, three points and they will find themselves out of the bottom three, which could be the turning point in their season.

Team News

Sofiane Boufal should be available for Southampton.

However, Maya Yoshida is set for at least a month on the sidelines with a knee problem.

Key Factors to Consider

• Burnley have won three of their last five Premier League home games against Southampton
• The Saints are winless in their previous four visits to Turf Moor, failing to score on two occasions
• Premier League games at Burnley’s home ground has seen on average 2.2 goals per game, the second lowest in Prem history
• The Saints are yet to defeat a team starting the day in the top half of the league (P15 WD L5)
• Burnley have only collected five points in their last 10 Premier League games

Conclusion

Burnley are on a dreadful run of form, but in contrast to that, Southampton have started to grind out results. Sean Dyche always ensures it’s a tight game with not many goals at Turf Moor. However, the Saints will see this as a very important match in terms of their relegation prospects.

Verdict: Southampton and under 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 7/2

Bookmaker: Bet 365