Southampton host struggling Burnley in the Premier League at St Marys on Sunday afternoon. The home side are unbeaten in six games in all competitions, while the Clarets have struggled for points on their return to the top-flight this season.
The home side had a reputation for being defensively solid under former boss Ronald Koeman and that defensive solidity has returned in recent games. In fact, the Saints have not conceded in their last six games in all competitions.
Claude Puel’s team have struggled to score goals in their last few outings, though, drawing both their most recent games 0-0. The Saints will be hoping to put that right against a Clarets side that is also short of goals.
This season Sean Dyche’s team has failed to score in five of their eight games in all competitions, including two of their last three Premier League fixtures. The Clarets have failed to score in all three of their away games in all competitions too.
The fact that the side from Lancashire has kept just two clean sheets from their eight games so far this season also suggests they are vulnerable at the back. Goalkeeper Tom Heaton has been one of the Clarets better performers this season, but is doubtful for this clash, having recently pulled out of the England squad through injury.
It is fair to say this game is not expected to be a high-scoring encounter. The visitors have lost both of their away games in the Premier League 3-0 this season, so the omens are against an away win.
However, Southampton recent lack of goals will be concerning for everybody connected with the club. Striker Charlie Austin seemed to have hit form earlier in the campaign, but those two goalless games brought an end to that run.
Such is the openness of the table at the moment an away win would see the Clarets move above the Saints. However, that seems very unlikely and a home win by a small margin is far more likely in this one.