The international break may have come at a perfect time for Southampton. A pause to take the positives from their run to the FA Cup semi-finals and draw a line under their abject league form. Easier said than done when your first game back is against Burnley. Sean Dyche’s side sit level on points with them, seven above the relegation zone. On paper that feels like enough for both to remain in the Premier League but Burnley will surely believe they can take a big step towards making certain by winning this battle of wills. Saints’ soft centre is usually there for the taking. Graham Searles
Sunday noon Sky Sports Premier League
Venue St Mary’s Stadium
Last season Southampton 1 Burnley 2
Referee Andre Marriner
This season G19 Y48 R0 2.53 cards/game
Odds H 6-5 A 11-4 D 12-5
SOUTHAMPTON
Subs from Forster, Lewis, Nlundulu, Finnigan, Ferry, Chauke, Watts, Tchaptchet, Tella, Jankewitz, Stephens, Ramsay, Diallo, Salisu, Redmond
Doubtful Ings (match fitness), Walcott (thigh), Walker-Peters (calf)
Injured Obafemi (match fitness, unknown), Romeu (ankle, next season), Smallbone (knee, next season)
Suspended None
Discipline Y43 R2
Form DLLWLL
Leading scorer Ings 8
BURNLEY
Subs from Peacock-Farrell, Norris, Dunne, O’Neill, Bardsley, Stephens, Benson, Driscoll-Glennon, Mumbongo, Pieters, Brownhill, Rodriguez, Long
Doubtful Cork (thigh), Taylor (thigh)
Injured Barnes (thigh, unknown), Brady (knock, unknown)
Suspended None
Discipline Y39 R0
Form DDLDDW
Leading scorer Wood 6
