After securing a big point at Stamford Bridge, Southampton FC welcome Burnley FC to St. Mary’s Stadium with their sights still on Europe. Currently sitting at sixth in the table, the Saints will have to secure all three points at home to continue making moves up the table.
Preferred Formation: 4-2-3-1
This is the formation Koeman used in the club’s last match against Chelsea, and his work clearly paid off as got a much-needed point against the league leaders. The Saints will need to continue bringing pressure up top, especially in the midfield, which is the key against Burnley.
GK: Fraser Forster
The man of the match last week against Chelsea, Forster continues to prove week in and week out why he is one of the most consistent keepers in the Premier League, and a clean sheet here would ease the burden on the offensive side.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne
After another call-up to England’s national team, Clyne is looking better than ever, and his presence on the back right should quell Burnley’s Danny Ings.
RCB: Jose Fonte
The steady presence of Fonte in the center has provided consistency in an area that is necessary for the Saints, and if they want the result they need against Burnley, Fonte must be the anchor for the back four.
LCB: Toby Alderweireld
The return of Alderweireld last week against Chelsea certainly did not go unnoticed. His defense was very solid, but it was his ability to push forward was what was the most noticeable part of his game. Should he continue to do this, the Saints will certainly be more on the offensive in this match.
LB: Ryan Bertrand
Bertrand is once again a solid and steady option, and he and Alderweireld work very well together on that left side, which will provide stability for this Saints defense as they look for another clean sheet in EPL play.
RDM: Morgan Schneiderlin
Having Schneiderlin paired with Wanyama in the defensive midfield is a dream come true for Saints fans. Schneiderlin outplayed his counterpart, Nemanja Matic, and proved exactly why he is such a hot commodity. Another quality performance should keep the ball out of the Saints half, and Scheiderlin is the key.
LDM: Victor Wanyama
While there may be many questions surrounding Southampton’s formations and lineups, Wanyama is a mainstay that will play anytime he is able. A force unlike any other in the EPL, Wanyama must use his physicality and strength to control the middle of the pitch, which will be crucial.
RAM: Steven Davis
Steven Davis is a lynchpin of the Saint’s attacking offense, and his play was consistent enough last week to earn a spot here. If he can give 60-70 minutes of quality play in the midfield, he will have done his job, and since he has done this all season, there is no reason to expect otherwise.
CAM: Sadio Mane
I really like putting Mane here because I feel it’s where he’s the most dangerous. The Senegalese has been the brightest spot on the offensive side for the Saints, and his ability to follow attacks and clean up around the net is much more important as the CAM than at striker. Look for him to make an impact against Burnley.
LAM: Dusan Tadic
The penalty-kick goal against Chelsea last week certainly helped out Tadic’s mojo, and his presence on the offensive side more than the middle of the field is where he’s the most dangerous. As long as Southampton control the midfield, Tadic will have free reign on the left side to attack and create in the way Saints fans have grown accustomed to.
ST: Shane Long
Long has often been used as a substitution in late-game situations where the club needs a goal, but he got the start against Chelsea last week and played well up top. Reversing the roles of Long and Pelle might be just what the club needs, and as long as it’s working on the south coast, count on Koeman to keep it this way.
(4-2-3-1)
Via – Lineup Builder
