Burnley scoop rare win to keep pressure on Everton
Burnley desperately need to convert some draws into wins as they continue their early days without manager Sean Dyche, who was sacked last week. The Clarets missed a golden opportunity to get three points at West Ham United when Maxwel Cornet dragged his spot kick wide when they were 1-0 up, and now must make the most of Southampton having comparatively little to play for when the visitors come to Turf Moor on Thursday. Read our preview here:
Pope's decree
The sole reason caretaker boss Michael Jackson's side escaped the London Stadium with a point was goalkeeper Nick Pope, who pulled off one of the saves of the Premier League season to ensure parity was kept. Thanks to him and a well-drilled back four, the chronic lack of goals scored hasn't yet been terminal. Both Wout Weghorst and Cornet need to step up quickly to prolong the east Lancashire outfit's stay in the top tier, and he'll be hoping his header on the rebound at the weekend is a springboard from which to do just that.
Put them to Bed
The Saints bested a toothless Arsenal 1-0 at St. Mary's last weekend, and Ralph Hasenhüttl has, with the notable exception of custodian Alex McCarthy, a full squad to choose from for their journey up north. The Austrian head coach could stick with precisely the same XI and shape that got the better of the Gunners. Towering Polish centre back Jan Bednarek is always a big threat from set pieces, and it remains to be seen which side will seek to dominate possession.
Betting tip
At the time of writing, Leicester City's game against Everton hasn't taken place. Burnley will have 24 hours or so to process the outcome of that match on Wednesday. Either way, they need what would be just a fifth league win of the season to keep pace with or leapfrog the faltering Toffees. Southampton aren't pushovers, but nor are they replete with goalscorers. A home win can be backed with Casumo at odds of 2.70.
