'OPPORTUNITY TO FRESHEN THINGS UP' SAYS PARKER AHEAD OF SAINTS CLASH

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Clarets boss looks ahead to Saturday's trip to St Mary's

2025-02-06T16:05:11.959Z

'OPPORTUNITY TO FRESHEN THINGS UP' SAYS PARKER AHEAD OF SAINTS CLASH

Clarets boss looks ahead to Saturday's trip to St Mary's

2025-02-06T16:05:11.959Z

MATCH PREVIEW: SWANSEA CITY V BURNLEY - Image 6

Head Coach Scott Parker admits there will be an opportunity for him to utilise his squad this weekend and possibly integrate some of his January signings when the Clarets take on Southampton in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round.

Burnley head to St Mary's in fine form having not lost in the last 19 matches in all competitions and Parker sees Saturday as a useful opportunity to 'freshen' up his team, but knows they will face a difficult test against the Premier League side.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Parker said: "First of all, it's going to be a big test for us. They came out of this league (Championship) last season and then added to an already quality squad.

"It's a big step-up for us and they're a very good side, but it's one we're looking forward to. It's also an opportunity for us to freshen things up, but we want to go there and give the best version of ourselves.

"There's a chance to give players minutes that haven't played as much as others and for the new lads to be integrated into the side. It will be useful for them to get a feel for it and what we expect.

"There's nothing better than going on a cup run and like I've said, it's a big fixture for us and it gives opportunities to others to show what they can do and hopefully we can progress into the next round."

'OPPORTUNITY TO FRESHEN THINGS UP' SAYS PARKER AHEAD OF SAINTS CLASH - Image 1

The Clarets go into the weekend following Tuesday night's 1-0 win over Oxford United, in a game which Burnley dominated and controlled throughout.

Reflecting on the performance, Parker highlighted the 'fine margins' and the attacking stats shown against Plymouth last month being replicated against the U's.

"I thought Tuesday night's game, we were outstanding. I felt it in-game, I think I've said this many a time as a coach, you're watching things live and you're in-game at certain moments.

"The best marker is probably after, when obviously emotions are out of it, and decisions are happening. My general feeling after the game was that we were very, very good.

"In the game it probably replicated the Plymouth game. Every number in the attacking sense was probably equal, if not better. The only difference was the other night, we didn't manage to score the amount of goals we did against Plymouth.

"They're the fine margins sometimes in football matches. We created some big opportunities and some good ones. We just fell short in that final little bit to execute.

"But again, falling back onto that, another clean sheet, restricted the opposition. I don't think Oxford had a shot. This was a team coming into the game nine unbeaten, second in the form league.

"The only slight disappointment, it was just 1-0, but like I said, the fine margins on another night, it could have been very, very different. Me as a coach sometimes need to bring a bit of balance to that. And that's exactly what I'll do with this young team."