SOU vs BUR
Match Centre

Debutant Ings thanks Saints support

Watch our post-match interview with Danny Ings - one of four Saints debutants - who came off the bench to a huge ovation from his new supporters.

Hughes reflects on Burnley stalemate

Watch the post-match thoughts of Southampton boss Mark Hughes after his side were held to a goalless draw on the opening day at St Mary's.

REPORT: Saints frustrated by resolute Burnley

Despite their dominance, Southampton were forced to settle for a point on the opening day of their Premier League season after a 0-0 draw with Burnley at St Mary's.

FULL TIME: Southampton 0-0 Burnley

It's all over at St Mary's. A frustrating stalemate in the end, but Saints can be pleased with their attacking intent and willingness to throw bodies forward. Burnley defended resolutely, in the same fashion that saw them qualify for Europe, and ultimately there proved no way through. Hard to be too critical of Saints' efforts - plenty of positives to build on! 😇

Ings denied by Hart 😫

Was that Saints' last chance? Ings collects a low cross from Stephens, swivels and smashes a shot straight at Hart, but a free-kick is awarded against the striker in any case.

Five added minutes...

The corner comes to nothing, but time is on Saints' side as the fourth official indicates a minimum of five extra minutes.

COME ON SAINTS!

Another half-chance! Redmond brilliantly finds Elyounoussi on the left, whose deep cross is headed back across goal by Gabbiadini and cleared behind for ANOTHER Saints corner...

Elyounoussi goes close

Still Saints keep coming forward - there's been no shortage of attacking intent. Ings intricately feeds Elyounoussi in the box, who finds space to shoot but again there's a black shirt in the way. Corner.

Into the final ten minutes ⏳

The clock is ticking down and Burnley will be the happier side if it finishes goalless. Can Saints find a winner? 😰

Ings heads over

Another Saints corner and another Saints chance... this time Ings can't hit the target under pressure from his marker.

Hart denies Lemina

After Hart's save from Stephens, the keeper is called upon again to keep out Lemina's header from an Elyounoussi corner.

Stephens goes close!

Ings crosses from the left towards Stephens, who gets around the back and meets the ball on the volley, but Hart is there at his near post to save.

Southampton substitution: Manolo Gabbiadini replaces Charlie Austin

It's a straight swap up front...

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Gabbiadini preparing to come on...

It looks like the Italian will be Hughes's final throw of the dice as Saints continue to up the ante.

Saints applying the pressure...

Burnley are getting forced further back, but still no breakthrough, as Lemina's volley is blocked. Into the last 20 minutes at St Mary's!

Ings shoots wide

First attempt at goal from the substitute, as Burnley appeals for a free-kick are ignored and Ings takes advantage by shifting the ball on to his right foot and trying to find the top corner with a curling shot that only narrowly misses the target.

Time to shine?

Danny Ings in action on his Southampton debut. He's got half an hour to become a hero on the opening day...

Off the line!

Much more intent about Saints since the changes already. Elyounoussi's corner from the left is met by Burnley defender Mee, who beats his own keeper only to be bailed out by the man on the post who spares his blushes.

Redmond fires over

The two wingers come inside and combine as Elyounoussi finds Redmond on the edge of the box. He turns and shoots, and sees it deflect over for a corner.

Looks like a 4-4-2 for Saints...

It's Stephens and Bertrand in the full-back positions, with Redmond and Elyounoussi on the wings.

Ings straight into the action

Playing up alongside Austin, Ings is immediately involved as he looks to play a one-two with Bertrand but just overhits the return pass.

Southampton substitution: Mohamed Elyounoussi replaces Cédric

This could mean a tactical change, as another debutant enters the fray. Stephens moves to right-back in a four-man defence.

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Southampton substitution: Danny Ings replaces Stuart Armstrong

Unable to continue, Armstrong is replaced by debutant Danny Ings, who gets a roaring reception.

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Armstrong goes down injured

The Scot is down and receiving treatment - seemingly after colliding with one of his Saints teammates.

We're back under way!

Saints have kicked off the second half. Come on, Saints! 👊

Relive the first half in pictures 📸

View some of the most eye-catching images from the first 45 minutes at St Mary's, where both sides have traded blows but the game remains in the balance.

HALF TIME: Southampton 0-0 Burnley

It's goalless at the break at St Mary's, where the visitors started purposefully but have since been put under increasing pressure by Saints, who have grown in confidence. Chances were becoming more frequent as the half wore on at both ends.

One added minute...

We're into the final 60 seconds of an engaging first half.

It's end to end stuff!

This game is getting better... clear-cut chances are difficult to come by, but both teams are willing to attack and throw bodies forward. After Vestergaard twice repels Burnley crosses, Austin finds Armstrong on the left, whose attempted return ball is just too heavy for the striker.

Vestergaard heads over

Great chance! After Romeu's shot is deflected behind for a corner, Armstrong's flat delivery is perfect for the incoming Vestergaard, who won't be stopped in the air but can't keep his header down as it flies over.

Saints getting stronger 💪

It was a slow start from the home team, but Saints are starting to dominate now. Redmond and Armstrong are combining well, but there's no way through the uncompromising defensive axis of Tarkowksi and Mee, who are heading every cross to safety. 

Lung-busting run from Redmond!

Great positivity from Redmond, who seizes on a stray header from Tarkowski and runs at the Burnley defence from the halfway line. He skips past Lowton and rather bundles his way through Tarkowski, before finding a cross from the byeline that sails over the head of Austin, but still earns an ovation from the Saints fans who appreciate his efforts.

Vestergaard puts his head in where it hurts

Brave defending! Wood raises his foot to control a ball that sits up, but the giant figure of Vestergaard stoops to get his head to the ball and wins a free-kick for Wood's high boot. He could've taken a nasty kick - hopefully we can get used to that sort of bravery from the big man! 💪

Armstrong fires one across goal

This is better from Saints, who have begun to take the initiative. Austin causes problems under a deflected cross that loops into the air and falls kindly to Armstrong, who drills a low ball across goal but it's well beyond the striker and nobody is there at the back post for a tap in.

Hart denies Lemina

That's better! Bertrand finds space down the left and delivers an enticing cross slightly behind Lemina, but the midfielder adjusts brilliantly to direct his header on target, forcing Hart to tip it over.

First spell of sustained possession for Saints

It's been a tough baptism for Saints, but the clean sheet remains intact and now the team are beginning to settle. A first period of keep-ball results in Hoedt attempting to test out Hart from distance, but he can't hit the target.

We're up and running!

Burnley have kicked off and Saints' 2018/19 season is under way. Let's make it one to remember!

The teams are out!

The pre-match handshakes have taken place and Saints are in the huddle! We're ready to go, come on boys! 👊

it's always about trying to impose yourself on the opposition. if we can do that, everybody is going to enjoy the ride.

mark hughes

southampton manager

Warmed up 🔥

The Saints are ready! Warm-ups are complete and we're inching closer to kick-off here at St Mary's. Ten minutes to go! ⏳

we have something to make up for after last season, so hopefully we can start with a win today.

wesley hoedt

southampton defender

Saints team confirmed! 😇

Starting XI: McCarthy, Cédric, Stephens, Vestergaard, Hoedt, Bertrand, Romeu, Lemina, Armstrong, Redmond, Austin.

Saints relax with morning stroll 🚶‍♂️

It's day one of the new season, so the team have been out to relieve a bit of tension with a team walk. Check out our best snaps - the lads are in good spirits!

Get your hands on our new-look programme!

The first SAINTS cover star of the new season is the main man himself! Pick up your copy and enjoy a special eight-page feature interview with Mark Hughes, who discusses everything from his playing days, to his early days in management, his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson and how he becomes a different person on matchday. You can also order programmes online at saintsprogrammes.co.uk.

The tunnel has a new look! 😇

The new season means new branding in the St Mary's tunnel area. Pretty smart, eh?

One hour until team news! ⏳

It's two hours until kick-off, which means one hour until we reveal today's Saints starting XI. Who would you like to see given the opportunity to impress?

Watch Hughes's extended pre-match interview

We sat down with Mark Hughes at Staplewood this week to discuss everything from last season's route to survival, to pre-season, summer signings and ambitions for 2018/19. Watch the full interview here.

when this football club came up, i had the opportunity to come home. i felt it was time to start a new journey for me. i want to test myself and i feel fit and ready to go. i want to show the country what i'm about again.

danny ings

southampton forward

Ings to haunt former club?

It's the sight Saints fans were waiting for as the transfer window drew to a close on Thursday evening, but should Danny Ings go straight into the starting line-up for his Saints debut? The striker scored 43 goals in 130 appearances for today's visitors between 2011 and 2015.

The season starts here!

The wait is over! It's the day of Saints' Premier League opener, as Burnley come to St Mary's with both teams targeting a winning start to the new campaign. The Clarets already have plenty of competitive minutes under their belts in Europa League qualifying, including a long trip to Istanbul on Thursday night, but Saints are in confident mood on home turf. Stay with us as we countdown to kick-off!