After playing out a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace in midweek, Southampton will look to extend their run of four unbeaten league games when they face Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday.
The Saints are dawdling near the wrong end of the table and collecting all three points will be crucial as they push for a mid-table spot.
Southampton team news
Southampton coach Ralph Hasenhuttl will be missing the services of key midfielder Mario Lemina while several other first-team regulars, including Ryan Bertrand, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are doubtful to feature against Burnley.
Maya Yoshida, meanwhile, is out on international duty with Japan while Michael Obafemi will continue his spell on the sidelines.
Predicted Southampton lineup vs Burnley (3-5-2)
Defence
Not too many changes are expected in defence, where coach Hasenhuttl is lacking a bit of depth at the moment.
In the press conference, the Austrian head coach hinted that Bertrand may not feature against Burnley this weekend, meaning Yan Valery could continue in his role as the right wing-back while Matt Targett will occupy the opposite flank.
Only two Southampton players have delivered more key passes than Targett this season and the 23-year-old will look to provide the additional service going forward.
The defensive trifecta of Jannik Vestergaard, Jan Bednarek and Jack Stephens could also retain their place at the heart of the Southampton defence.
Vestergaard, in particular, leads the team in terms of clearances and the former Gladbach star will be tasked with the responsibility of leading the Southampton defence.
Alex McCarthy will continue to feature as the man between the sticks for the Saints this weekend. The 29-year-old will be looking for his fifth clean sheet of the campaign.
Midfield
With Lemina, who leads the team in terms of tackles and interceptions likely to miss out, the onus will be on Oriol Romeu to deliver the goods at the base of Southampton’s 3-5-2.
The Spaniard will provide the security for the backline and has to cover for his more expressive midfield companions. He is likely to be accompanied by James Ward-Prowse and Stuart Armstrong, both of who will be tasked with providing the thrust in the final third. The former is averaging over 2 key passes per game this season and more of the same will be expected of him.
Attack
Danny Ings will spearhead the Saints attack alongside Nathan Redmond, who has attempted more dribbles than anyone else in the team. Shane Long and Sam Gallagher will provide additional attacking options to Hasenhuttl.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
