Man Utd vs Burnley preview: team news, predictions & possible XIs
Manchester United welcome Burnley to Old Trafford on Wednesday night looking to bounce back from defeat to Liverpool.
The Red Devils were put to the sword by the runaway Premier League leaders over the weekend and remain six points adrift of the top four.
The Clarets, meanwhile, followed in the footsteps of Southampton and pulled off an unexpected victory against high-flying Leicester City at Turf Moor.
Can Sean Dyche mastermind another giant-killing? Or will Ole Gunnar Solskjaer make it three wins on the trot at home?
Read on for Man Utd vs Burnley preview, predictions, TV coverage information, team news and more.
When is Man Utd vs Burnley and where can I watch live?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Old Trafford
Date: Wednesday, 22 January 2020
Kick-off: 8:15 PM (UK time)
TV coverage (UK): BT Sport 1
Last five meetings: Man Utd vs Burnley
28 December 2019: Burnley 0-2 Man Utd (Premier League)
29 January 2019: Man Utd 2-2 Burnley (Premier League)
02 September 2018: Burnley 0-2 Man Utd (Premier League)
20 January 2018: Burnley 0-1 Man Utd (Premier League)
26 December 2017: Man Utd 2-2 Burnley (Premier League)
Aggregate Score: Man Utd (WDWWD) 9-4 Burnley (LDLLD)
Ones to watch
Man Utd: Fred
Fred started his ninth consecutive match for Man Utd across all competitions on Sunday and showcased at Anfield exactly why he has been so important to Solskjaer these past few weeks.
There was a time when the industrious Brazilian’s days in the North West looked numbered, but he has since transformed his fortunes and really stepped up in the absence of midfield duo Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay.
If the Red Devils are to break down what will be a stubborn opponent on Wednesday, then they will need the tireless and relentless exploits of Fred to compete against Dyche’s combative Clarets.
Key stat: Only one outfield player (Wolves’ Ruben Neves) recovered possession more times than Fred (13) during gameweek 23 in the Premier League.
Burnley: Nick Pope
Chris Wood and Ashley Westwood may have provided the goals in Burnley’s 2-1 win over Leicester on Sunday, but Nick Pope provided a vital save from a Jamie Vardy penalty to keep his side in the contest.
Burnley eventually went on to win the match, with Pope’s heroics keeping leading scoring Vardy at bay and leaving Brendan Rodgers’ side frustrated. With Euro 2020 fast approaching, Pope will be hoping to have a similar impact at Old Trafford to let Gareth Southgate know he means serious business.
Key stat: Nick Pope has made more catches than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League this season (26).
Team news
Man Utd
Marcus Rashford is potentially facing a two-month absence from first-team football after suffering a double stress fracture in his back, prompting Solksjaer to admit he may have to enter the transfer market to find cover.
The England international will join Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba on the sidelines, with the duo not expected back until late February with a knee and foot injury respectively.
Marcos Rojo and Axel Tuanzebe remain out, while Luke Shaw and Timothy Fosu-Mensah are battling to shake off knocks. Solskjaer is also expected to revert to a back four after fielding three central defenders at Anfield, while Mason Greenwood is pushing for a start as pace will be key against a stubborn opponent.
One additional fitness issue revealed by Solskjaer during Tuesday’s press conference concerns centre-back Victor Lindelof, who was sent home from training as a precautionary measure due to illness. The centre-half should be assessed closer to game-time.
Predicted XI: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Williams; Fred, Matic, Pereira; James, Greenwood, Martial.
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Burnley
The only major injury news for Dyche and Burnley concerns Ashley Barnes and Johann Berg Gudmundsson, with the former recently undergoing surgery on a hernia problem and the latter set to remain on the treatment table with a thigh issue. Both are not expected back until next month.
Jay Rodriguez is expected to lead the line alongside Wood, with Dwight McNeil likely to be instructed to get as many balls into the box as possible in order to test a shaky Man Utd defence.
Predicted XI: Pope; Bardsley, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor; Hendrick, Westwood, Cork, McNeil; Wood, Rodriguez.
Squawka prediction
This is a huge test for Man Utd, who looked miles off the pace against Liverpool at times. Without Rashford in the line-up, there is an obvious void in the final third and it was evident at Anfield, placing more pressure onto Solskjaer’s shoulders.
The home fans will be expecting three points on Wednesday, but Burnley are an exceptionally organised and disciplined side who could very well sneak a point here.
