Burnley FC vs Manchester United FC, Premier League 2020-2021, Today Match Prediction

Burnley FC vs Manchester United FC Match Prediction & Analysis

After winning eight of the last 10 matches, Manchester United pulled themselves level with Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table, the first time they had done so at this stage of the season since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.

Despite a disappointing defeat to City in the League Cup semi-final last week, United’s form remains excellent and they capped off a strong start to the year with a 1-0 win against Watford in the FA Cup over the weekend.

They have found a way of starting well in matches, having previously needed to come from behind to win the majority of their matches. 

Burnley themselves are in a good run of form – having spent the majority of the early part of the season in the bottom three, the Clarets have now put a respectable run of form together and now sit five points clear of the drop.

This should be an entertaining game of football with plenty at stake.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Burnley FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): DWLWW

Reasons to be cheerful:

     16th is their highest league position since opening weekend

     Three wins out of four in all competitions represents good form

Reasons to be fearful:

     Their opponents are winning games for fun right now

     Nine goals scored from 15 matches is a poor return

Burnley secured their place in the 4th round of the FA Cup, being one of three teams requiring penalties to go through.

This takes their unbeaten run of form to just one defeat from their last seven matches, with three wins coming from the last four. Sean Dyche will be mighty pleased with how they’ve turned their season around having not won a league match in any of their first eight attempts.

He will know that his side must score more goals, however, especially against a side like United who score plenty themselves. Just nine in the league is a poor showing and it is only their solid defence which has seen their position improve.

Nevertheless, there is less pressure on Burnley right now and they’ll feel they can go and have a real go at United in this one.

Star Man – Ben Mee

Their centre back captain has been crucial to their improvement, and will need to keep up his good run of form against United’s attackers.

Manchester United FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): DWWLW

Reasons to be cheerful

• 10 league matches without defeat has seen them rise to top

• Incentive to go three points clear of Liverpool is huge

Reasons to be fearful 

• Still need to improve against teams who sit back

• Several injuries to contend with

Manchester United were workmanlike rather than spectacular in their FA Cup win over Watford. They scored early and defended well from there.

They will be disappointed to have lost against Man City in the League Cup semi-final last week, but know that there will be other opportunities ahead, especially if they continue to play like they have recently.

In their fantastic run of form, they have become the league’s second top scorers, with 33, just four behind Liverpool.

They’ll need to be at their attacking best against Burnley, however. The Clarets are a side who will sit back and absorb pressure, something which United have not always found a way to deal with.

They also face being without the likes of Pogba, Shaw, Bailly and Lindelof, who all face late fitness tests.

Star Man – Bruno Fernandes

United’s best, and most influential, player was given a rare rest against Watford. The creative midfield should be ready to go here.