This Premier League match is currently a mid-table clash between Burnley and Southampton. Additionally, with neither of these two scoring many goals, we could be in for a tight affair at Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon.
Burnley are not on a fantastic run at the moment having failed to collect three points in either of their last two matches in all competitions, however, two league victories prior to that keeps them in the upper reaches of the bottom half, while, perhaps more importantly, they have an eight point cushion between them and the drop-zone.
As expected, the Clarets are an incredibly well drilled side and don’t tend to concede many goals – the last time they lost a match by more than a one goal margin was six games ago. Sean Dyche’s men could of course improve their attack as they are among the league’s lowest scorers having found the back of the net just 22 times in 20 games. However, Dyche will be pleased by the fact they have scored in each of their last four league matches, including in tough trips to Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.
The Clarets’ home form has been the bedrock of their campaign so far and especially in recent weeks where they have won five of their last six league matches at Turf Moor. Their excellent record at home sees them sit an incredible fifth in the ‘Home Form’ table ahead of both Manchester City and United.
Southampton had been doing pretty well earlier on in the campaign, but they are now on a wretched run, losing each of their last three in the Premier League whilst they could only manage a draw away at Championship side Norwich City in the FA Cup last weekend.
The Saints’ defence had been the key to their early season success but it now seems that, with so many of their defenders linked with moves away, this reliable back-line is falling apart having not kept a clean sheet in five games, conceding a staggering 12 in that time.
Things are no better on the other side of the coin and, with the way things are going, everybody knows that Claude Puel’s side need a new striker in this January transfer window. Southampton have the joint second worst offensive record in the league, scoring a rather pathetic 19 goals in 20 matches. If this situation does not improve and the defence continues to spiral downwards, there is only one way Southampton are going.
The away form brings yet more negativity for Southampton going into this match with the Saints having won just once in their last five matches on the road. Furthermore, they have lost five times away from St. Mary’s this season and have taken just nine points from 10 matches on their travels.
Given both Southampton’s form and their lack of firepower, combined with Burnley’s defensive solidity at home, it is incredibly strange that Southampton are considered favourites. At odds of 13/5, backing Burnley really is the best option. The Clarets can provide punters with a nice winner on Saturday afternoon.
See Saturday’s Championship tips here.