With relegation and point deductions echoing around the city of Southampton, there is still one more home game to play before the reality of League 1 football hits home.
Burnley, on the other hand, need three points to secure their place in the play-off’s.
Southampton are effectively relegated following the 10 point dedcution issued by the Football League yesterday, and Owen Coyle’s men will be licking their lips at taking the three points from the sorry Saints.
Vital Quotes: Mark Fry on potential buyers:
‘We are currently in due diligence with what we hope will be a very serious contender to take over this club,’ Fry told the Daily Echo.
‘I am not in a position to disclose who that bidder is because I am subject to a confidentiality agreement.
‘But we believe that they will be a very well-suited owner.
‘We are about to proceed to due diligence with another party today so at the moment we have a couple of front runners and there is interest being shown.’
Southampton Team News:
Mark Wotte is likely to name an unchanged side that lost 2-0 at Hillsborough a week ago.
Simon Gillett (knee), Wayne Thomas (knee) and Lee Holmes (knee) are all close to a recovery, but are still sidelined.
Player to watch: Andrew Surman
Surman has to be Southampton’s prized asset, and the England under-21’s future on the south-coast is uncertain following the Saints’ inevitable relegation to League 1.
Burnley Team News:
Claret’s boss Owen Coyle will assess the fitness of Steven Thompson before travelling to Hampshire.
Striker Martin Paterson is likely to start after playing 86 minutes and scoring the vital goal in the huge 1-0 win over Sheffield United on Monday night.
Player to watch: Martin Paterson
After being out with a hamstring injury, the Burnley striker was able to play 86 minutes and score the winner in Monday night’s massive win over promotion rivals Sheffield United. Certainly one to watch.
Match Facts & Stats
In the reverse fixture in November, the Saints were 3-0 down at Turf Moor.
But manager at the time, Jan Poortvliet managed to get a response from his side, and goals from Rudi Skacel and Andrew Surman made sure it would be a frantic end at Burnley.
There have been 43 fixtures between the two sides, and the Clarets have a slight edge, winning 16 to Southampton’s 15.
Ref Watch:
Mr. Mike Jones (Chester)
Match Prediction:
Southampton 1 – 2 Burnley. Burnley need 3 points to secure the play-off’s, while the Saints are relegated following the Football League’s decision to deduct them 10 points.
Ultimately I feel that the Clarets will be too strong and hungry for the Saints.
Next Fixtures:
Nottingham Forest (A) Sunday 2nd May
