Southampton will host Burnley, looking to build on their recent victory at Portman Road—their first since November. Burnley, meanwhile, secured a win against Oxford United after two consecutive draws, keeping their English Premier League promotion hopes alive. Kick Off Nigeria editor Ayomide Oguntimehin provides insights with his betting tips and predictions ahead of the game.
Match Preview: Southampton vs Burnley
There will be fireworks at St Mary’s Stadium as Southampton and Burnley clash for an FA Cup Round 8 ticket. This match could serve as a much-needed morale boost for Ivan Juric’s side, who have endured a disappointing season and face the threat of relegation back to the EFL Championship. Southampton heads into the game with two wins and three losses in their last five matches.
Meanwhile, Scott Parker’s men remain unbeaten in their last five games but have secured just two wins, with the rest ending in draws. Their solid defense and ability to avoid defeat could pose a challenge for Southampton. However, the higher level of competition in the Premier League compared to the Championship may give Southampton an edge in this encounter.
Head-to-Head (Last Five Meetings)
• 21 April 2022 – Burnley 2-0 Southampton (Burnley win)
• 23 October 2021 – Southampton 2-2 Burnley (Draw)
• 4 April 2021 – Southampton 3-2 Burnley (Southampton win)
• 26 September 2020 – Burnley 0-1 Southampton (Southampton win)
• 15 February 2020 – Southampton 1-2 Burnley (Burnley win)
Their last five encounters have been evenly contested, with two wins each and one draw. However, Burnley won the most recent fixture (2-0 in April 2022), which may give them a slight psychological advantage.
With the upcoming match being played at St Mary’s, Southampton might have the upper hand, having won one and drawn one of their last two home meetings against Burnley.
Recent Form: Southampton
Southampton’s recent form has been inconsistent, with two wins and three losses in their last five matches. While they secured a 2-1 away win against Ipswich and a 3-0 FA Cup victory over Swansea, heavy defeats to Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester United highlight their defensive struggles, as they have conceded at least three goals in each of those losses.
Their home form has been even worse, with four defeats in their last five games. A 5-0 thrashing by Brentford, a 1-3 loss to Newcastle, and a narrow 0-1 defeat to West Ham underline their poor record at St Mary’s. Their only home win came against Swansea in the FA Cup, but against stronger opponents, they have struggled.
Recent Form: Burnley
Burnley have been solid but uninspiring in recent weeks, with three wins and four draws in their last seven matches. They secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Oxford United and an emphatic 5-0 win against Plymouth, demonstrating their ability to grind out results. However, three consecutive goalless draws against Portsmouth, Leeds, and Sunderland expose their struggles in front of goal. While their defensive resilience has been commendable, their attacking output has lacked sharpness.
Away from home, Burnley have been steady, with two wins and three draws in their last five outings. A 5-0 demolition of Plymouth and a 3-1 FA Cup victory over Reading showcase their attacking potential, but goalless stalemates against Portsmouth and Middlesbrough raise concerns about their consistency. Their ability to avoid defeats is a positive sign, but turning draws into wins will be crucial for maintaining momentum.
Player to Watch: Paul Onuachu
The Nigerian international seems to have found his rhythm under Ivan Juric, playing a key role in their win against Ipswich, where he scored a crucial goal. He will be eager to make an impact against Burnley and further solidify his place in Juric’s plans.
Best Odds and Betting Tips
• Southampton to win – 1.83 on 1xBet
• Both teams to score (Yes) – 1.95 on 1xBet
