FA Cup Fourth Round Preview: Southampton vs Burnley
Published:
Fixture: Southampton vs Burnley
Date: Saturday, 8 February 2025
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Venue: St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton
Match Overview
Southampton host Championship side Burnley in the fourth round of the FA Cup, hoping to put aside their poor Premier League form and secure a place in the next stage of the competition.
For Scott Parker’s Burnley, this represents a golden opportunity to knock out a top-flight opponent, with their recent defensive solidity giving them a real chance at an upset. With both teams keen on a cup run, expect an intriguing contest on the south coast.
Recent Form & Cup Journey
Southampton (Last 5 Matches in All Competitions)
- W 2-1 vs Ipswich Town (Premier League)
- L 1-3 vs Newcastle United (Premier League)
- L 2-3 vs Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
- L 1-3 vs Manchester United (Premier League)
- W 3-0 vs Swansea City (FA Cup Third Round)
Southampton cruised past Swansea in the third round, displaying their attacking prowess, but have since struggled in the league.
Burnley (Last 5 Matches in All Competitions)
- D 0-0 vs Portsmouth (Championship)
- D 0-0 vs Leeds United (Championship)
- W 5-0 vs Plymouth Argyle (Championship)
- D 0-0 vs Sunderland (Championship)
- W 3-1 vs Reading (FA Cup Third Round)
Burnley defeated Reading to reach this round and have kept four consecutive clean sheets, highlighting their defensive resilience.
Head-to-Head & FA Cup History
- Southampton have won 6 of the last 17 meetings, Burnley have also won 6, with 5 draws.
- The last time these two sides met in the FA Cup was in 2014 when Burnley edged a 4-3 thriller.
- Southampton last won the FA Cup in 1976, while Burnley lifted the trophy way back in 1914
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Southampton Team News
Injuries & Suspensions:
- Nathan Wood (Muscle injury) – Doubtful
- Ross Stewart (Calf injury) – Doubtful
- Ryan Fraser (Physical discomfort) – Could return
Possible XI (3-4-2-1)
- GK: Aaron Ramsdale
- DEF: Jan Bednarek, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, James Bree
- MID: Kyle Walker-Peters, Lesley Ugochukwu, Joe Aribo, Welington
- ATT MID: Mateus Fernandes, Albert Gronbaek
- ST: Paul Onuachu
Burnley Team News
- Aaron Ramsey (Cruciate ligament) – Out long-term
- Jordan Beyer (Hamstring) – Doubtful
- Manuel Benson (Calf injury) – Expected to miss out
- Nathan Redmond (Leg injury) – Likely unavailable
Possible XI (4-2-3-1)
- GK: James Trafford
- DEF: Connor Roberts, Maxime Estève, CJ Egan-Riley, Bashir Humphreys
- MID: Josh Cullen, Josh Laurent
- ATT MID: Jeremy Sarmiento, Zian Flemming, Jaidon Anthony
- ST: Lyle Foster
Key Player: Lyle Foster – The South African striker has been Burnley’s focal point up front, combining pace with a powerful shot.
Tactical Breakdown & What to Expect
Southampton’s Approach
- Possession-based game, using width to stretch Burnley’s defence.
- Targeting aerial dominance with Paul Onuachu in the box.
- Walker-Peters and Welington to push high and provide attacking width.
Burnley’s Approach
- Compact defensive structure to frustrate Southampton.
- Look to exploit Saints’ high line on counter-attacks with pace from Sarmiento and Anthony.
- Use set pieces effectively, especially with Flemming’s delivery.
Prediction: Saints to Edge a Tight Battle
Burnley’s defensive resilience cannot be ignored, but Southampton’s Premier League quality should shine through at home. Expect a competitive clash with both teams having their moments.
Final Score Prediction: Southampton 2-1 Burnley
Southampton’s extra attacking quality should prove decisive.
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Southampton will be desperate for a cup run to lift their season, while Burnley are aiming for an upset with their solid defensive shape. It’s all set for a fascinating FA Cup encounter at St. Mary’s.
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