Southampton host Burnley this Sunday as Claude Puel’s side look to extend their unbeaten run to seven games.
Having had a relatively slow start to the season with two draws and two losses in their first four games, the Saints have since kicked on in fine fashion and are yet to lose since their 3-0 thrashing of Sparta Prague on the 15th September.
Two back-to-back goalless draws at Hapoel Be’er Shava and defending Premier League Champions Leicester however, have thrown a slight spanner in the works.
While the two results continued the club’s fine defensive record – they have now not conceded in six – the Saints will be disappointed not to have registered on the scoresheet, especially considering the form of talisman striker Charlie Austin.
The Englishman already has five goals to his name this season and is beginning to assert himself as Southampton’s main man ahead of Shane Long, following his move from Championship side QPR.
If Claude Puel and Co. are to get back to winning ways this weekend, they will need to be at their best to topple an unpredictable Burnley who have already recorded wins against both Liverpool and Watford this season.
Our landlord however thinks it should be a comfortable three points for the Saints, especially if they line-up like this ….
Keeper – Fraser Forster
No decision to be made here. Fraser Forster, their giant shot-stopper, will hope he can continue his run of six consecutive clean sheets and further push his cause for a much deserved starting place for England.
Defence
The centre-back pairing of Jose Fonte and Virgil Van Dijk is proving a formidable one, and hence one that should not be altered.
At left-back would usually be Ryan Bertrand, however the defender may not be fit after sustaining an injury during England’s 2-0 victory over Malta at the weekend.
In-form Cuco Martina is likely to fill the void by swapping flanks which leaves Cedric Soares to assume the right-back position, despite sustaining a minor injury against Leicester just over a week ago.
Midfield
Competition for places in Southampton’s central midfield are about as it comes in the Premier League at the minute.
Former Chelsea man Oriel Romeu had a terrific game against Leicester as he dominated the midfield with his hard-tackling and no-nonsense play should start, and alongside him Jordy Clasie who can kick-start his season with a big performance.
Steven Davis – possibly one of the most under-rated midfielders in the league – was excellent for Northern Ireland over the international break and Saints fans will hope he can bring that form into the weekend.
Out wide is a no brainer, with the skilful Dusan Tadic out left and new boy Nathan Redmond on the right. Both have pace and will pose a huge threat to Burnley’s full-backs if they are at their usual best.
Striker
While he hasn’t scored in 2 games now, Charlie Austin must start.
The Englishman provides a cutting edge to the Saints play that Shane Long is unfortunately unable to do, and will be a big goal threat in and around the box, especially if given the right delivery from his wide players.
