EPL: Southampton v Burnley preview

Southampton v Burnley preview

Southampton have picked up some improved results of late but they will face a tough test when they play host to Burnley on Saturday.

The Saints are unbeaten in their last three Premier League games, a run that includes a 1-0 victory over West Brom in their last match at St Mary's Stadium, although the jury still appears be out on boss Mauricio Pellegrino, who only took over the reins at the club during the summer.

A lack of goals has been Southampton’s main concern so far this term, as they have netted just nine times in their 10 league games to date, although they have managed to find the back of the net in each of their last three fixtures.

Southampton also have an impressive recent home record against Burnley, winning the last four meetings between the two sides at St Mary's, racking up 11 goals in the process.

Pellegrino also has a near full-fit squad to choose from ahead of the match, as midfielder Mario Lemina remains their only absentee due to an ankle complaint.

Burnley will head into the contest riding high in seventh position in the Premier League standings and they have only lost two top-flight matches to date this term.

The Clarets have particularly impressed away from home, with their only defeat on the road to date coming against high-flying Manchester City.

Sean Dyche's side beat Newcastle 1-0 on Monday night and they could welcome striker Chris Wood back into the fold, after he missed the victory over the Magpies with a hamstring injury.

Fellow forward Nahki Wells could also feature for the first time since his summer switch from Huddersfield, as he stepped up his recovery from a foot injury by scoring a hat-trick for the Under-23's earlier this week.