Will Burnley continue to surprise?
Southampton have the chance to rebuild and restore their reputation this season after experiencing a close shave with relegation in the last campaign. The bookies view the Saints as clear favourites for their first game against Burnley. I, on the other hand, see this one differently.
Southampton
We all recall Southampton’s status as a Premier League side almost going up in smoke at the end of last season. This was until Gabbiadini proved the hero in the 1-0 win over Swansea to keep his side up, ultimately, at the expense of The Swans. But what of Southampton this year? It’s difficult to say but the squad, give or take a couple of incomings and outgoings, is pretty much the same.
They’ve moved to replace Tadic, who has left to join Ajax, Mohamed Elyounoussi from Basel, Jannik Vestergaard from Gladbach and Stuart Armstrong formerly of Celtic. But these are hardly names that are going to frighten opposition defences and help the huge void left by the influential Tadic. The feeling is more acquistions are needed to ensure Southampton remain above the relegation line again.
Burnley
Burnley were the surprise package of last year and, against the odds managed to secure a European place. Sure, it was less style and more substance for The Clarets with many of their victories won to nil on their way to their best Premier League finish. It’s unlikely they’ll come seventh again, but I don’t believe they’ll be among the bottom sides either. Somewhere, comfortable in the middle is reasonable to think though.
While some clubs may view early Europa League ties as a hindrance, I think that having played competitive football earlier than most could be an advantage, even though they did exert themselves going into extra-time against Aberdeen in the last round. When you consider also that Burnley have zero World Cup players still on holiday and have managed to retain key members of their squad whilst adding the promising Ben Gibson from Middlesbrough, you have to say they Sean Dyche’s men look set to hit the ground running already.
Match Tips
It beats me how a distinctly average Southampton side are deemed such great favourites to run out victors against Burnley. Southampton failed to beat Burnley both at home and away last year and I simply don’t see this changing this time around either. A double chance on Burnley at odds of 11/10 (2.14) with bet365 just can''t be ignored.
