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Burnley continue to fight for survival as they host Southampton at Turf Moor in a rearranged Premier League clash.
Victory would see Burnley stay in the relegation zone but move to within a single point of safety, whereas Southampton can go ninth with a win.
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Ashley Westwood is ruled out for Burnley after suffering a serious ankle injury in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at West Ham.
Erik Pieters, Ben Mee (both knee) and Johann Berg Gudmundsson (calf) remain absent.
Southampton have no fresh injury concerns to report as Alex McCarthy remains a doubt as he continues to rebuild his match fitness, following a lengthy thigh injury.
Stat Attack
- Burnley have claimed seven points from their last five meetings against Southampton (W2, D1, L2).
- Southampton have won just one of six previous Premier League visits to Turf Moor (W1, D2, L3).
- Burnley have scored first in each of their last two meetings against Southampton, albeit away from home.
- No Premier League player this season has produced more blocks than Burnley’s James Tarkowski, who has made 58 blocks in 29 league appearances.
- Four of Southampton’s eight headed league goals this season have been scored by Che Adams and Jan Bednarek, who have both twice scored from headers.
Prediction
With games beginning to run out, Burnley realistically need to make this game count if they’re to keep pace with Everton in the fight for survival given that both teams still have games in hand but are the only two teams scrapping for the final survival spot.
Burnley’s squad though can be proud of their performance at West Ham because they looked much better in attacking intensity plus defensively, especially with Nick Pope proving brilliant in goal with great saves but they really need to view this as an absolute must-win for their morale.
Southampton meanwhile were simply clinical in their home win over Arsenal with fantastic energy and follow-up movement in their attacks, whilst also displaying organised defending and excellent goalkeeping which will give them a boost given that Turf Moor is a bogey ground of theirs.
Now if both teams can build on their improved performances from last weekend then I expect a close battle but if Burnley’s home crowds can lift spirits, I fancy them to edge this given their home form against the Saints and keep their survival hopes alive.
Prediction: Burnley 2-1 Southampton
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