Predicted Burnley line-up to face Southampton in the Premier League
Burnley are set to get their Premier League season underway against Southampton. Sean Dyche’s men will be competing in the Europa League this year after defying all odds last season.
But they have more immediate concerns in the form of Southampton. Burnley will be going into the game brimming with confidence after a fruitful pre-season. Sean Dyche brought in a couple of additions before the window shut and the team now looks complete.
Probable Burnley XI
Manager: Sean Dyche
Formation: 4-4-2
Joe Hart (GK)
With Nick Pope out and Tom Heaton just returning from his injury, Sean Dyche should go with Joe Hart once again.
Matthew Lowton (RB)
Lowton is a versatile defender who is capable of playing in a number of positions across the backline. He should be deployed on the right flank this weekend.
Ben Mee (CB)
Burnley’s most committed and passionate defender should start this weekend. He was an able stand-in captain in the absence of Tom Heaton last season.
James Tarkowski (CB)
The defender’s impressive performances saw him get rewarded with a spot in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad. He will be crucial in their European journey this season.
Stephen Ward (LB)
Ward’s marauding runs down the wing pose a huge threat for opposition defenders. He is also capable of whipping crosses into the box.
Aaron Lennon (RM)
The former Tottenham winger possesses vast experience at the highest level. Though aged 31, Lennon still possess the pace and energy for a winger.
Ashley Westwood (CM)
Westwood is a skilled non-stop runner on and off the ball. His distribution and creativity will be crucial for the Clarets going forward.
Jack Cork (CM)
The presence of Jack Cork will provide some defensive stability in the middle of the park for Burnley.
Johann Berg Gudmundsson (LM)
The Iceland international is Burnley’s main source of supply in the final third. He has the eye to pick a pass in the final third.
Chris Wood (ST)
Burnley’s new signing was scoring at a rate faster than Sergio Aguero and Harry Kane last season. A regular on the scoresheet and a devastating striker, Wood will definitely hit the ground running this season.
Read more: Burnley Season Preview 2018/19 – Fixture analysis and Predicted finish
Ashley Barnes (ST)
Barnes started the Europa League game in the absence of new signing Matej Vydra, who lacked fitness. He should continue to lead the line.