Predicted Southampton Line-up To Face Burnley In The Premier League
After a dull 1-1 draw against Brighton, Mauricio Pellegrino’s Southampton side are back in action this weekend as they welcome Sean Dyche’s high flying Burnley to the St. Mary’s. The Saints have 12 points from 10 games this season and will have to start finding some consistency but the Clarets are sure to make it a tough night for the Saints.
Burnley beat Newcastle United in the previous round and will be fairly confident of taking something from this game.
Team News
Saints could welcome back Charlie Austin, who had to sit out the draw with Brighton with a knock. Mario Lemina missed that game as well but is set for a return to first-team duties.
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Manager: Mauricio Pellegrino
GK – Fraser Forster
The first choice shot-stopper for Pellegrino, Forster has been in decent form and will keep his place for this weekend.
RB – Cedric Soares
The Portuguese full-back is a regular for the Saints and there’s no reason why he would not start this game.
CB – Virgil van Dijk
Van Dijk is still Southampton’s best defender and he has gradually been integrated into the side. Should start at the heart of Saints’ defence.
CB – Maya Yoshida
Partnering Van Dijk should be Yoshida, who has played more games than any other Southampton CB this season.
LB – Ryan Bertrand
The English ace has been effective on the left flank and deserves to start for the Saints in this game.
CDM – Oriol Romeu
Acting as the only defensive midfielder should be Romeu, whose industry in the middle of the park could be crucial for the Saints.
RM – Dusan Tadic
Pellegrino has used Tadic in different positions but he has been effective on the right flank and should continue to keep his place in the attack.
CM – James Ward-Prowse
Adding more stability to the midfield should be Ward-Prowse, who is a regular under Pellegrino.
CM – Steven Davis
Davis, playing in a midfield role, will be responsible for breaking down the Burnley defence, which has been resistant so far this season.
LM – Sofiane Boufal
Another player who has found some form playing on the flank, Boufal did a decent job in this role in the previous game and is expected to start there, yet again.
ST – Manolo Gabbiadini
Gabbiadini adds variety and versatility to Southampton’s attack and should lead the line against the Clarets.