Manager Mark Hughes rescued Southampton a season ago. The Saints finished 17th in the Premier League, three points above Swansea and Hughes’ former team Stoke City. Now, Hughes has had a full preseason with Southampton and they have added talented players to the squad. Meanwhile, Burnley are going strong in the Europa League.
The club qualified for Europe for the first time in more than five decades. Manager Sean Dyche has built a plucky team that is unafraid of the Premier League’s big boys. Burnley will be a difficult task for any team thanks to the hardnosed grafters in the side.
Burnley will have no difficulty with early season fitness in week 1. They have already played three times in the Europa League and are yet to taste defeat. Dyche has brought a few big-name players in this summer and each will get the chance to shine at Turf Moor. Ben Gibson, Matej Vydra, and Joe Hart have all arrived. Dyche could deploy all three in his starting XI this weekend. Last season’s leading goal scorer Chris Wood surprised many with his 10 goals in the Premier League. He is still with the club and will be expected to tally double digits once more.
Southampton pulled of a transfer coup at the deadline by signing former Liverpool striker Danny Ings. The striker has had his injury problems over the last four seasons. Yet, Ings is still a quality striker and can be Southampton’s answer in front of goal. The Saints additions of centre-back Jannik Vestergaard and midfielder Mohamed Elyounoussi should improve the team’s spine. Southampton did sell Dusan Tadic which will be a loss in front of goal. Tadic tallied 20 goals in four seasons for the Saints.
Burnley are undefeated in their last three fixtures against Southampton. The club have won twice and drawn once in that time. The last time Burnley visited St. Mary’s stadium, they came out on top 1-0. Three of the club’s last six meetings have gone Burnley’s way with just two matches being won by Southampton. Fewer than 2.5 goals have been scored in five of their last six meetings.
Southampton have improved their defence with Vestergaard. Meanwhile, Burnley have already played three matches this term and have their eyes on making the Europa League group stage. Due to Burnley already playing this week in Turkey and preparing for their second leg third qualifying round match against Istanbul Basaksehir, Southampton will get the win.