After a morale-boosting 1-0 win over local rivals Manchester City in the Merseyside Derby this midweek in the English Football League Cup, Manchester United will be shifting their focus back to the Premier League. The Red Devils take on Sean Dyche’s Burnley on Saturday in the 10th game week of the Premier League. An encounter between Jose Mourinho and the ‘Ginger Mourinho’ will be on the show as the two sides lock horns at Old Trafford.
Manchester United bounced back from their 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Chelsea last week with a midweek win against rivals Manchester City and it was Juan Mata who scored the winner. Mourinho finally was able to beat his rival manager Pep Guardiola and the Portuguese manager will be looking to gain momentum by beating Burnley. However, the clarets have shown that they are no pushovers.
They upset mighty Liverpool 2-0 earlier this season and shocked another Merseyside club Everton 2-1 last week and are likely to play a defensive setup and do what Mourinho specializes in the big games.
Sean Dyche’s Burnley do not have too many big names but there is a sense of togetherness at Turf Moor. If Burnley can play the kind of football they played against clubs like Liverpool and Everton, they could come away with another upset.
Team news
Manchester United
Defensive duo Erik Bailly and Phil Jones are both out with injuries while Chris Smalling is a major doubt for the game. Skipper Wayne Rooney and young attacker Marcus Rashford are both likely to sit out with minor injuries.
Burnley
Belgian midfield general Steven Defour is likely to sit out with a hamstring injury. George Boyd is doubtful for the game. Forward Ashley Barnes is not yet match fit after his comeback from injury.
Predicted lineups
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Valencia, Blind, Rojo, Shaw; Herrera, Pogba; Lingard, Mata, Martial, Ibrahimović
Burnley (4-4-2): Heaton; Lowton, Keane, Mee, Ward; Gudmundsson, Hendrick, Marney, Arfield; Vokes, Gray
Key players
Manchester United: Paul Pogba
The world-record signing from Juventus is yet to make a strong impact at Old Trafford and has been trolled by the social media for his failure to justify his massive price tag. However, his quality is undisputed and it is only a matter of time he starts firing. The Frenchman will be looking to make an impact against Burnley.
Burnley: Andre Gray
Burnley have struggled for goals this season and they will be looking for assistance of the striker who earned the Golden Boot in the Championship last season. The pacey forward will make a return to the starting XI after his four-game suspension and will be looking to make a strong impact.
Odds
Manchester United win @1/5
Draw @5/1
Burnley win @16/1
