Manchester United’s 2-0 triumph over Chelsea has made the title challenge wide open and the Red Devils will now travel to the Turf Moor in an attempt to inject life into their barren hopes of a top four finish.
Draws after draws have almost stalled their chances to participate in the Champions League next season but wins in consecutive matches has somehow given Jose Mourinho a chance to redeem their hopes.
Let us a take a look at the 3 key battles which will have an impact on the outcome of the game.
Marcus Rashford vs Michael Keane
Rashford burst onto the scene last season. He has scored in almost every possible debut he had in his tiny football career till now. An Acl injury to Zlatan Ibrahimovic has opened the path for him and he could use this opportunity to become a valuable figure at the Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho has been often criticised for his youth policies until this season. The Portuguese gaffer has stood firmly behind Rashford and has been polishing him with his advice. The England international has terrific pace and we have seen in the Chelsea match where David Luiz had a tough time dealing with his pace and tricks. Unlike other strikers, he also helps his team in defence which is a great quality.
A former Manchester United player Keane made the move to Burnley in 2015. He has grown from step to step and Sean Dyche will give him the charge to mark the Manchester United youngster. The defence has been a strong point for Burnley in this season and their defenders will look to carry on their form.
Robbie Brady vs Antonio Valencia
Burnley’s record signing Robbie Brady is yet to show his hunger for goals and against a team like Manchester United, he should feel motivated to put up a great display to impress his manager. A £13m arrival in the winter transfer window Brady started the last two games and is expected to make a third. There has been a dearth of goals for the Clarets and a player like Brady could be the solution to this problem. He might not be a player who will score goals every day but can find the perfect pass to the perfect player at a perfect time.
Jose Mourinho once said earlier in this season that Antonio Valencia is the best right back right now and it seems he is going into right direction. The Ecuadorian intentional has reinvented himself and this season he has been absolutely phenomenal.
Anthony Martial vs Matthew Lowton
The absence of Ibrahimovic has also brought good news for Anthony Martial who has been kept largely to the bench. Mourinho has a handful number of attacking players at his disposal and Martial is expected to get a number of games.
Lowton has been a constant in the starting lineup and Dyche would be pinning high hopes on him to get the better of Martial.
