Manchester United are hosting Burnley at Old Trafford on Boxing Day for their Premier League fixture. The visitors fell on the wrong side of a Harry Kane hat trick at home on Saturday and dropped to the 7th spot of the points table behind Arsenal. They still have a healthy 5 point gap over Leicester City which will be crucial to stay in the European qualification battle ahead of the new year.
Sean Dyche’s men have hit the ground running ever since they earned the qualification from EFL Championship and have been nothing short of spectacular this season. Their impressive season can be attributed to their defensive setup which has seen the side concede only 15 goals in 19 matches.
On the other hand, Jose Mourinho was left dazed after Leicester’s Harry Maguire tapped in the last minute equalizer in their previous fixture and snatched away the win. Rivals, Manchester City looks like they are running away with the title after the 2-2 result with the lead pulled to 13 points.
Even though the title might be slipping out of their hands, the Red Devil’s are in no mood to give away any more precious points in this fixture.
Now that the fatigue of the December schedule is hitting the players and with a squad stretched thin due to injuries, Dyche has his work cut out for him.
He is predicted to start his team in the 4-4-1-1 formation.
Defence
Nick Pope’s career is thriving with the first choice keeper, Tom Heaton currently serving a spell on the sidelines with injury. The 25-year-old is expected to take his spot in between the sticks.
Stephen Ward is still not fit after picking up a knee injury in their 1-0 win against Stoke City. Charlie Taylor has replaced him in the left-back position for the past couple of games might start again for this match with Phil Bardsley on the right.
James Tarkowski’s injury is also a huge blow for Dyche and he should be replaced with Kevin Long alongside Ben Mee in the centre-back position.
Midfield
Jack Cork and Steven Defour are predictable starters around the centre circle. Their defensive abilities will be tested against Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic in this fixture.
Johann Berg Gudmundsson has been a crucial figure in the Burnley setup this season with 5 assists to his name. He is expected to start on the right wing with the 29-year-old Canadian, Scott Arfield on the left.
Attack
Jeff Hendrick has 2 goals and 1 assist so far into the season and combines well in the centre-forward position behind the lone striker.
Chris Wood is also not free of an injury pass and might not start for this fixture. He is predicted to be replaced by Ashley Barnes with Sam Vokes making a substitute appearance later in the game.
