Manchester United FC
Burnley FC
Burnley FC
Manchester United aim to close gap at the top to eight against 17th place Burnley
Manchester United to win 2-1
Manchester United can close the gap on Manchester City to eight points this weekend with a win, though it is not expected to put too much pressure on the champions elect just yet.
They will be hoping to follow up on a good performance in midweek, as they beat Granada to progress through to the Europa League semi-finals. It remains their only chance of winning a trophy this season, so there may be one or two changes here.
United have left it too late to pressurise City at the top, but will want to further cement 2nd place over the likes of Leicester and West Ham.
Burnley are now the closest side to the bottom three, after Newcastle won their game 24 hours earlier. Their solid form has come to an end recently, and they have lost their last two on the bounce.
They have a seven-point gap, which is likely to be enough, but will want to make sure.
Form Guide (all comps): LWWWW
Reasons to be cheerful:
In good form in the league and in Europe
Will welcome back suspended players to the team here
Reasons to be fearful:
Haven’t won their last four home games against Burnley
All four league defeats have come at Old Trafford this season
Manchester United’s home form has certainly improved in the second half of the season, having lost just once in the league since November.
It was a real source of trouble for them earlier in the campaign, when their away form was nothing short of fantastic, but they were let down by their performances at Old Trafford. With that put right, they’ve been able to gain a stronghold over 2nd place.
Here, they’ll be able to welcome back some players who were suspended for their Europa League game, including captain Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay and Luke Shaw – the rest will have done them good – while Marcus Rashford also had the week off.
If they can beat Burnley, it will be the first time in five attempts at home in the league.
Star Man – Edinson Cavani
The Uruguayan striker has struggled with injury this season, but when he’s been fit, he’s been excellent for United.
Form Guide (all comps): DDWLL
Reasons to be cheerful:
Have a good away record against United
Now needing to points to be certain of survival
Reasons to be fearful:
Just two wins from last 12 in the league
Poor goalscoring return
Burnley’s form has dipped at the wrong time from their point of view, though they will remain confident of staying up this season with the experience of Sean Dyche at the helm.
The Clarets must play both Fulham and Sheffield United before the end of the season, and know that they can earn maximum points from those games if needed.
Despite that, they will want to show improvement upon recent performances here, with just two wins coming from their last 12 games. They are a side who often reserve their best performances for the big occasions, so are likely to put in a shift here.
In terms of players, goalkeeper Nick Pope is a fitness doubt, as is talented youngster Dwight McNeil.
Star Man – Chris Wood
Could score in three consecutive games at Old Trafford.
United are favourites but will they be fully fit?
Burnley will prove tough to beat
A low scoring game
Burnley will ensure that they are at their very best this weekend, and with United playing in midweek, could have the fitness advantage here.
That said, the Red Devils have one or two players to come back into the team, and will feel confident of picking up another three points.
Manchester United to win 2-1
