It’s like Christmas in August; it comes around once a year and the excitement generated by it can never be replicated. For those unaware, this weekend is the official opening of the 2019/20 English Premier League season. A day when all clubs find themselves tied for first. A day when all supporters can truly dream. These ideas ring true for supporters of Southampton.
For those dreams to live on, Southampton must earn a result in their opening match of the season. Travelling to Turf Moor on Saturday, here is a preview for the Saints opening match at Burnley.
Southampton Opens EPL Campaign at Burnley
Saints Look to Build on Perfect Preseason
Completing their first preseason under Austrian boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, Southampton look like a club on a mission. Following back-to-back campaign’s in which the Saints fought to avoid relegation, Southampton appear ready for a march up the table this season. Building on his personal victories from last season, Hasenhuttl has reinvigorated this Saints side with new ideas and new players.
Signing Che Adams and Moussa Djenepo during the summer window, Southampton also made Danny Ings a permanent addition to the first-team roster. Combined, the three attacking players should breathe life into what was a subpar attack. Struggling to convert in the final third over the past three-years, Southampton have done their best this summer to make sure this issue will not be repeated for a fourth consecutive season.
With this reinvigorated attack leading the charge, Southampton were able to complete an undefeated preseason. While the club did draw their opening match of the preseason against Austrian side SCR Altach, the Saints quickly rebounded and found their form. While victories over Preston and Chinese side Guangzhou may not seem impressive, the club’s latter wins over Feyenoord and FC Koln have boosted expectations. Overall, if this preseason form is anything to go on, Southampton should thrive in the Premier League this season.
Burnley Seeking Strong Start Against Southampton
Following a seventh-place finish in the Premier League as well as qualification for last season’s Europa League, Burnley had high expectations heading into the 2018/19 campaign. To say those expectations were not matched would be a major understatement. Finishing 15th in the Premier League last season, Burnley just managed to avoid the relegation scrap taking place just below them in the table.
Despite this, Burnley remained determined in their small-ball strategy this summer. Despite the rough finish to last season which saw them go winless in their final four matches, Burnley have signed just three new players for the upcoming season. At that, all three signings – goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell, full-back Erik Pieters, and forward Jay Rodriguez – join the club from the English Championship division. This isn’t great when you consider the signings that other clubs have made this summer.
However, one thing that promises to remain the same this season is Burnley’s determination and grit. This is especially prevalent when they are the home side. Despite only winning seven home league matches last season, Burnley remained a tough outing at Turf Moor. This was proven true by Burnley’s performance against Tottenham Hotspur last season in which the Clarets earned a 2-1 victory.
Key Players
Captain Pierre-Emile Højbjerg Must Lead by Example
Expected to be named captain once again by Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is a player that Southampton will lean heavily on this season. A force in the midfield, the Dane has seen his ability improve dramatically over the last year. Once a forgotten player, Højbjerg is not only a top player for Saints on-and-off the pitch.
Scoring four-times for Saints last season, Højbjerg also added four assists to his tally. However, this does not include the number of important tackles or great passes that the Dane consistently made. Add in the Denmark International’s leadership qualities and Højbjerg is not just another name on the team sheet.
However, Højbjerg is not the only Southampton player to keep an eye on in this match. Other names to watch include Nathan Redmond and James Ward-Prowse. Both players figure to play an important role for Saints this season. Expected to help lead the Southampton attack, both Redmond and Ward-Prowse will be looking to open the 2019/20 season with a bang.
Jay Rodriguez Seeks Brilliant Premier League Return
Returning to the Turf Moor following an eight-year absence, Jay Rodriguez will be looking to make his second Burnley debut a special one. Rodriguez will also be making his return to the Premier League following a season in the English Championship with West Bromwich Albion. Moreso, his return to the Premier League will be made even more special thanks to Burnley’s opponent.
Playing for the Saints from 2012 through 2017, Rodriguez’ homecoming on Saturday will definitely be a special one. Without a doubt though, the former England international will be looking to make this match an even more memorable affair. Coming off of a preseason in which he scored five times, Rodriguez will definitely try to keep his hot form going in his top-flight return.
Another attacking player supporters should watch is Chris Wood. Scoring 24-times over his first two seasons with the club, Chris Wood may be Burnley’s best striker since the aforementioned Rodriguez played for the club back in 2012. Now paired with Rodriguez, this attacking combo is one the Saints backline will definitely have to take seriously.
Match Prediction
Opening the season against each other last season, Southampton and Burnley fought to a 0-0 draw last August at St. Mary’s Stadium. The return match at Turf Moor proved to be slightly more exciting despite the result being another draw. This match will likely see another repeat performance from both sides. Despite some improved attacking from both, this match has the making of another draw between the Clarets and the Saints.
Burnley 1-1 Southampton
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