Saints are set to make the 253 mile trip North West to the Lancashire town of Burnley.
The Saints have been boosted by the return of midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, defender Olly Lancashire. The experienced Jason Euell comes back into the squad, while winger Jake Thompson travels up with the team.
The Saints have had some glory away from home, winning four times. The last time the Saints were in Lancashire, David McGoldrick’s last minute strike earned the Saints a dramatic 3-2 over Preston North End.
Their opponents Burnley are having a speculator season, sitting comfortably in fourth place on 37 points. Their home form has been formidable this campaign, having only lost once at Turf Moor; 3-0 to Ipswich Town.
Vital Quotes: Poortvliet on the Christmas period:
‘Now we have to start a new run with Burnley, followed by Nottingham Forest, Plymouth and Reading. For me it is very important to be unbeaten for the rest of this month because then we will have done a good job, and we can look forward to having a relaxed Christmas.’
Burnley Team News:
Michael Duff (calf) and Chris McCain (illness) will be assessed to see whether or not they are fit to play today.
Player to watch: Martin Paterson
With 8 league goals this season, the ex-Scunthorpe Striker will be looking to add to his goal tally.
Southampton Team News:
Morgan Schneiderlin and Jason Euell return to the squad. Winger Ryan Smith and Olly Lancashire also travel up to the North West.
Skipper Michael Svensson remains out, nursing an achillies injury.
Player to watch: Adam Lallana
The youngster has not scored for the Saints since September, and the England Under-21 will be looking to top his ever reliable good performances will a goal today.
Match Facts & Stats
Last time round, the Saints beat the Clarets 3-2 at Turf Moor, thanks to goals from Wright-Phillips, Jason Euell and Stern John. The Saints could do with a repeat performance to pull them away from the relegation zone.
Ref Watch:
Mr. Phil Dowd (Staffordshire)
Match Prediction:
Burnley 1-0 Southampton. The Clarets to continue their good home form and to pile more misery on the Saints. After Monday nights 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, the Saints will feel fragile and vulnerable. A difficult trip to a wet Turf Moor could not seem harder for the young Saints.
Next Fixtures:
Nottingham Forest (h) Saturday 20th December
