PL PREVIEW: Southampton v Burnley

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Build-up as in-form Clarets return to action at St Mary's Stadium

2021-04-03T17:29:09.075Z

PL PREVIEW: Southampton v Burnley

Build-up as in-form Clarets return to action at St Mary's Stadium

2021-04-03T17:29:09.075Z

Build-up as in-form Clarets return to action at St Mary's Stadium

The Clarets return to action after a three-week absence looking to pick up where they left off.

An impressive 2-1 win at Everton prior to an extended international break lifted the Clarets seven points clear of the relegation places and onto 33 points – alongside Sunday’s opponents.

A third win in eight league games – during a run which has brought them just one league loss – would therefore lift Burnley above the Saints, whose own league form has slumped in 2021.

A handful more points would also seemingly secure the Clarets’ top-flight status for a sixth season following a testing start which brought them just two points from their first seven games.

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The Clarets’ only defeats in 2021 have come against top-six opposition – on five occasions – and manager Sean Dyche is looking to maintain a common theme for his side during the course of the nine-game run-in which kicks off at St Mary’s Stadium.

“Our stats in the second half of the season are pretty good overall and that gives you a better chance of getting what you need to,” said Dyche.

“So, we go into these games with a strong mental framework and then we ask the players to deliver the quality to go on and win Premier League games.”

Team news

The Clarets have former Southampton midfielder Jack Cork and defender Charlie Taylor back from injury.

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But striker Ashley Barnes and defender Kevin Long aren’t yet ready to return and winger Robbie Brady faces a spell on the sidelines after suffering the recurrence of an Achilles injury on international duty.

The Saints expect to have top scorer and former Burnley striker Danny Ings back after three games out and ex-England man Theo Walcott is also set to return.

Midfielder James Ward-Prowse missed England’s mid-week win over Poland with a calf injury but could be fit.

Form guide

The Clarets return to action after a 2-1 victory and a fourth away win of the season at Everton before their extended break.

That was Burnley’s first win in six games but a run of just one defeat in eight league games has kept Sean Dyche’s men adding to their points’ tally to draw level with Southampton.

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The Saints have slipped from top spot in early November to 14th place on the back of just one win – against bottom club Sheffield United – and one draw in their last 12 Premier League games.

Their last home league win came thanks to a Danny Ings winner against Liverpool on 4 January.

But Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side won back-to-back FA Cup ties at St Mary’s Stadium later that month and have continued that run to reach the semi-finals by subsequenty knocking out Wolves and Bournemouth.

Southampton won 1-0 at Turf Moor in September in the Clarets’ first home league game of the season.

Opposition camp

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhüttl: "It's a big game for both teams, because it's a six-pointer if you want.

"For us, a big chance for coming a little bit up and away from them, and I think it is the same chance for them.

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"We know how tough it is against Burnley. We did a fantastic job in the first game against them and we have to do the same job again if we want to take something, because it's not easy.

"I speak very often about the good job they do there, with a very clear philosophy.

“They have a very good, organised way of playing football, with a strong mentality, with good commitment, with good organisation, clinical in the finish, so all the attributes you need to be a competitive and successful Premier League team

“I think this is what all the opponents who faced them feel when you play against Burnley, that you don't get a lot of chances.”

Match stats

Clarets’ top scorer Chris Wood needs one goal to go level with Ashley Barnes (41) as Burnley's all-time top Premier League scorer.

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Defender Erik Pieters could make his 50th Burnley appearance. Former Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez remains on 99 career league goals. Rodriguez scored 26 league goals for the Saints.

The Clarets are unbeaten in their last three games at Southampton, with two draws and a win.

The Saints are seeking a first double over Burnley since 1970/71.

Referee

Andre Marriner

VAR

Jonathan Moss

Kick-off

Sunday 12 noon

Broadcast

Sky Sports, Clarets+ commentary