On Wednesday, Manchester United had to fight back twice to overcome Sheffield United, ultimately securing a 4-2 win at home. It was a much-needed victory after a rough patch, and it was their first league win since March 9.
Despite their struggles, United still have a shot at another trophy this season, thanks to their FA Cup final appearance following their shootout win against Coventry City. However, their league performance has been disappointing, with 12 losses in 33 games. They are currently sixth in the table and need a strong finish to avoid missing out on European football next season.
United's home record this season is mixed. They have won nine of their 16 games at Old Trafford but have also lost five times. As they prepare to face Burnley, they'll aim for back-to-back league wins for the first time since February. After Burnley, United has a challenging run with games against Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Brighton, all leading up to the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Burnley, on the other hand, is fighting to stay in the Premier League. Their 4-1 win over Sheffield United was a positive sign, and they've only lost one of their last seven league games, picking up two wins. They are currently in 19th place, three points behind 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, with some crucial games left in their schedule.
Burnley has performed better on the road, claiming 13 of their 23 points away from home this season. The upcoming fixtures against Newcastle, Tottenham, and Nottingham Forest will be critical for their survival hopes.
Historically, Burnley hasn't had much success against Manchester United, winning only twice in the Premier League. However, one of those wins came at Old Trafford, a 2-0 victory in January 2020. United has dominated the recent head-to-head record, winning five of the last six meetings, including a 1-0 win at Turf Moor earlier this season with a goal from Bruno Fernandes.
Given the current form and stakes for both teams, this match is crucial for Manchester United's European aspirations and Burnley's fight to stay in the Premier League. It's set to be an intense and critical game at Old Trafford on Saturday.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Manchester United are hoping to have Mason Mount back for this game after he missed the last two matches due to an undisclosed issue, but they're still dealing with a significant injury list.Players like Tyrell Malacia, Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane, Marcus Rashford, and Willy Kambwala are all likely to miss the upcoming match.
Because of these absences, Casemiro might continue in central defense, and Scott McTominay could step into the midfield to replace Christian Eriksen. Amad Diallo, who came on for Antony in the second half against Sheffield United, might get a start, as manager Erik ten Hag considers making a couple of changes from the Sheffield United game.
On Burnley's side, Aaron Ramsey, Jordan Beyer, Nathan Redmond, Ameen Al-Dakhil, and Luca Koleosho are still sidelined. However, they didn't pick up any new injuries against Sheffield United, so manager Vincent Kompany might stick with the same lineup.
Josh Brownhill and Johan Berg Gudmundsson, who had strong performances coming off the bench at Bramall Lane, will likely remain substitutes. Similarly, on-loan Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana might also be on the bench, with Lyle Foster expected to start after his recent goal-scoring performance.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester United possible starting lineup:Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Maguire, Dalot; Mainoo, McTominay; Amad, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
Burnley possible starting lineup:
Muric; Assignon, O'Shea, Esteve, Taylor; Vitinho, Cullen, Berge, Larsen; Foster, Odobert
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester United 2-1 Burnley
