Our prediction for this Premier League match:
St. Mary’s Stadium will host Saturday’s football game between Southampton and Burnley, the two teams who are level on points ahead of Matchday 30. The Saints do not seem to be at the top of their game, with the team losing four of their previous six league fixtures, but they are surely capable of matching Burnley at home ground. Southampton proved their worth in the FA Cup win over Bournemouth (3-0), and it is no wonder the odds for home win have been dropping.
Both Danny Ings and Theo Walcott are rated doubtful for the match, while Romeu, Obafemi, and Smallbone remain sidelined with injuries. The Clarets, on the other hand, aim to build on a 2-1 win over Everton, and given their fine form in the Premier League, we believe that punters can find value in betting on both teams to score. Burnley boss Sean Dyche should have a full squad to choose from.
Highlighted Player (Shane Long):
Shane Long is an Irish international striker who has so far made over 60 appearances for the Republic of Ireland national team, scoring more than 15 goals in the process. The forward began his professional career at Cork City, but only made one league appearance for the club ahead of the switch to Reading, where he would go on to spend next seven years.
During that time, Long established himself as one of the best Irish strikers plying their trade in England, and also went on to represent West Bromwich Albion, Hull City and Southampton.
Despite not exactly boasting an enviable goalscoring record for a centre forward, Long was always held in high regard by both managers and his peers, with his incredible work rate and never-say-die attitude winning him plenty of admirers. Long will also go down as one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the Republic of Ireland national team, which he represented at the Euro 2012 and Euro 2016 finals.
Highlighted Team (Burnley):
Burnley were one of the founding members of the Football League back in 1888. The Clarets did remarkably well to win the FA Cup trophy back in 1914 and the club owners have been trying to bring glory days back to Turf Moor ever since.
Burnley defeated Liverpool in the 1913/1914 FA Cup final and, no doubt, this is regarded as the greatest achievement in the club’s history. The Clarets finished the 2015/2016 Championship campaign in top position in the standings and, as a result, they will participate in the English Premier League in the 2016/2017 season.
Burnley play their home games at Turf Moor and the capacity of the stadium is 21,401. The Clarets have won two Community Shield trophies so far, in 1960 and 1973, but they have yet to clinch the Premier League title. Claret is the dominant colour of the team’s home shirts.