Southampton vs Burnley prediction, team news and preview as Mark Hughes’ new-look side tests itself against Clarets
Hughes has made changes to his squad in order to keep them clear of a relegation battle this time round while Burnley have strengthened for the dual demands of Premier League and European football
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MARK HUGHES sends his new-look Southampton out against Burnley desperate for the club to start the season well and avoid a repeat of the relegation fight that engulfed them last year.
Hughes has cleared the decks of many of the players he inherited when he took control, and splashed out £52million on bring in four new faces.
But the visit of Burnley is sure to provide a stern test of the quality Saints possess this season, with Sean Dyche now improving on the squad which finished seventh last year.
Key Man
Southampton: Nathan Redmond
Not always a regular last season but so often their biggest threat going forward, Redmond is now at the age where he needs to be hitting his peak.
Has the pace and trickery to cause Burnley real problems, and if he is on song it adds a different dimension to Southampton's game.
Burnley: Jack Cork
So often an unsung hero but it is Cork who provides the impetus for Burnley by breaking up opposition attacks and linking well going forward.
Has the added advantage of being fully match sharp after Europa League action, it could give him the edge in the duel with Oriol Romeu.
Look ahead to the weekend
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Likely Line-Ups
Saints: McCarthy, Targett, Bednarek, Yoshida, Hoedt, Bertrand, Romeu, Hojberg, Lemina, Redmond, Austin
Burnley: Heaton, Lowton, Tarkwoski, Mee, Ward, Lennon, Cork, Westwood, Gudmundsson, Vokes, Wood
The Stat that Matters
Charlie Austin scored 41 goals in 82 appearances for Burnley at a goal every two games - but his 14-goal return for Saints comes at a goal every three matches.
Prediction
Southampton 1 Burnley 2
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