Southampton vs Burnley. Premier League.
St. Mary's Stadium.
Danny Ings could return for Southampton with James Ward-Prowse to be assessed; Robbie Brady out; follow Southampton vs Burnley live on Sky Sports PL and Main Event from 11.30am; Kick-off 12pm; watch free highlights shortly after full time on Sky Sports website and app
Sunday 4 April 2021 11:43, UK
Team news, stats and prediction ahead of Southampton vs Burnley in the Premier League on Sunday (kick-off 12pm).
Southampton could have leading scorer Danny Ings available again for Sunday's Premier League match against Burnley.
Ings has been stepping up his recovery from a leg injury over the international break, while Theo Walcott (thigh) is also in contention after returning to full training.
Midfielder James Ward-Prowse continues to be assessed on the calf problem which cut short his international duty with England, but there are no other fresh selection concerns. Oriol Romeu (ankle), William Smallbone (knee) and Michael Obafemi are all long-term absentees.
Burnley winger Robbie Brady will miss out at St Mary's as he is set for another spell on the sidelines. The Republic of Ireland international suffered a recurrence of an Achilles injury in his country's friendly with Qatar this week and Clarets boss Sean Dyche thinks his latest absence will be "a few weeks at least".
Kevin Long is a doubt after he sustained a calf injury but Jack Cork and Charlie Taylor (hamstring) are available again and should be included in the squad. Ashley Barnes (thigh) is making good progress in his recovery but Sunday's match will come too soon for him.
Southampton vs Burnley will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event from 11.30am; kick-off 12pm. Sky Sports customers can watch in-game clips in the live match blog on the Sky Sports website and app. Highlights will also be published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.
The last thing Burnley needed after their win at Everton was the international break. A 22-day break without a game screams 'momentum loser' but they were supremely impressive at Goodison Park with Chris Wood and Matej Vydra linking up impressively in attack. And Vydra has got my attention this weekend.
The 28-year-old has struggled since arriving at Turf Moor and has been considered fourth choice for much of his time at Burnley. However, a prolonged run in the team has worked wonders not only in terms of confidence but his ability to play an all-action style that Dyche demands from his front two. His quality and hold-up play was outstanding in the 2-1 win at Everton, providing the assist for Dwight McNeil's spectacular goal. He has created nine chances for his team-mates in his last six starts, so considering the form he showed at Everton, I'm happy to back him for another assist this weekend at 9/2 in what is likely to be a tight game.
JONES KNOWS PREDICTS: 1-1
BETTING ANGLE: Matej Vydra to assist a goal (9/2 with Sky Bet)
In this week's Pitch to Post Preview Podcast Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp joins Peter Smith to look ahead to Saturday's big clash between Arsenal and Liverpool. Could Jurgen Klopp's side turn a frustrating season into a glorious one with a late top-four push and Champions League charge? Redknapp assesses their chances - and explains where they will have to strengthen in this summer's transfer window.
We also hear from Sky Sports News' Man City reporter Ben Ransom on life after Sergio Aguero at the Etihad Stadium and who Pep Guardiola and his recruitment team will target to replace the iconic Argentina ace.
Plus Sky Sports features writer Adam Bate examines Newcastle's clash with Tottenham - two teams with lots still to play for during this run-in, and two managers who need a strong finish to the campaign.
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