Southampton host high-flying Burnley in the FA Cup on Saturday, as they look to turn around a poor run of form.
Despite being lauded as this season’s surprise package, the Saints have only won once, a 3-0 victory at Cardiff, in their last nine games, which has seen them slip well out of the top four and down to ninth in the Premier League. Jay Rodriguez and Rickie Lambert are still among the goals, though, and they will be key as Southampton look to avoid being knocked out in third round for the second consecutive year.
Burnley, meanwhile, have also failed to progress to the fourth round since 2011, but are sitting pretty in second in the Championship, thanks largely to the form of 21-year-old striker, Danny Ings, who has scored 19 times this season. The Clarets were in something of a rut having only won twice since October, but victory over Huddersfield on New Year’s Day will have given them new belief ahead of a mouth-watering cup tie.
KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3.00pm
PAST THREE MEETINGS:
Southampton 2 (Lallana, Sharp) Burnley 0, Championship, February 2012 Burnley 1 (Austin)
Southampton 1 (Schneiderlin), Championship, September 2011
Southampton 2 (Wright-Phillips, McGoldrick) Burnley 2 (Alexander, Carlisle), Championship, April 2009
STATS:
The last, and only, meeting between the sides in the FA Cup was a 2-1 win for Southampton in January 1908.
Burnley have not won away from home since October 1.
Southampton have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five home games.
Southampton have failed to win in their last three FA Cup ties at home.
ODDS:
Southampton to win: 1.5
Burnley to win: 6.5
Draw: 3.75
TV: Highlights on ITV1 at 11.05pm
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