After their 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion in the FA Cup, Southampton will turn their attention back to the Premier League as they are desperate to pull themselves out of the relegation zone. Mauricio Pellegrino’s troops are due to make a trip to Turf Moor on Saturday to face Burnley and here is how we expect the Saints to start the proceedings.
Sofiane Boufal is set to return after picking up a minor injury last week before the FA Cup clash against the Baggies. Maya Yoshida is out of contention and is likely to miss out for a month at least as he recovers from a twisted knee.
Besides, Steven Davis would also be out of action after picking up an injury in the training session. Charlie Austin is currently nursing his long-term hamstring problem and Shane Long is also a major doubt for the game.
Jack Stephens and Wesley Hoedt are the only senior central defenders that Southampton have on their books at the moment and the duo is expected to be partnered together in central defence. They must marshal the backline meticulously in the upcoming fixture and keep out the threat.
Alex McCarthy is expected to be handed the gloves once again by Pellegrino. From the left-back slot, Ryan Bertrand should be the one showing his industry and exuberance whereas, in the right-back position, Cedric Soares is anticipated to get the nod to start against Dyche’s entourage.
In the central midfield, the duo of Mario Lemina and Oriol Romeu is expected to start. They will act as a shield and try to keep the tempo of the game in favour of their side.
Besides, they must gallop forward whenever possible to cause trouble to the opposition defence without hindering their own defensive obligations. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is expected to complete the midfield 3.
Guido Carrillo is anticipated to start up front for Southampton. The newcomer is still adjusting to life in the Premier League and has to pop up in the right areas and make the most of the opportunities that he receives from his teammates. Further, he needs to create chances for others as well.
Dusan Tadic would be a sensible option to keep things lively down the left flank. On the right-wing, James Ward-Prowse is expected to be positioned, having scored 3 goals and notched up 2 assists in 22 appearances in the league so far this campaign.
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