Predicted Burnley Lineup To Face Manchester United In The Premier League
Burnley host Manchester United at Turf Moor this Saturday as the Clarets desperately hope for a win. In the reverse fixture last December, the match ended in a 2-2 draw and it could be anybody’s game this time. Although United have shown promising signs in their last couple of games, Sean Dyche’s men will be looking to cause an upset.
The Clarets are in dire need of a win to solidify themselves in the 7th spot since Leicester City are just 3 points away from overtaking them. Also, a win would bring them closer to 6th-placed Arsenal, thereby reviving their hopes of a top-six finish.
Team News
Tom Heaton, Robbie Brady, and Stephen Ward are all expected to be out for Burnley. As per early team news, Chris Wood is also unlikely to feature. New signing Georges-Kevin N’Koudou featured against Palace and put in an impressive performance but it is unsure as to whether or not the manager will hand him a start.
Possible Burnley XI
Formation: 4-4-2
Manager: Sean Dyche
Nick Pope (GK)
Pope has been quite sturdy in Heaton’s absence and he is likely to essay his usual role in goal against Manchester United.
Phil Bardsley (RB)
Bardsley is an experienced presence at the back and a lot will rest on his shoulders on Saturday as Burnley will be looking to restrict the Red Devils from moving forward.
Ben Mee (CB)
Mee has been dependable enough at the back and is arguably one of Burnley’s most influential players this season. That should see him earn a starting spot on Saturday.
James Tarkowski (CB)
Tarkowski is likely to return and partner Mee at the back. The duo has proven to be quite solid and it will be interesting to see how they fare against United.
Charlie Taylor (LB)
Ward has been out for quite some time now but Taylor has proven to be quite decent in the left-back area. The upcoming game will be quite a test for the 24-year-old since he may have to face the tricky Martial.
Scott Arfield (LM)
Arfield can make some incisive runs on the left-hand side to link the attack and the defence. With the weekend game set to be an important one, Dyche is likely to deploy him in his usual role.
Steven Defour (CM)
Defour scored in the reverse fixture against United and he will be keen on making that a tradition this time. Also, he can dictate the proceedings quite well in the midfield, thus making it likely for him to start.
Jack Cork (CM)
Cork plays well with Defour and the duo will have to be at its best to shut out the likes of Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard.
Johann Berg Gudmundsson (RM)
Gudmundsson has been one of the Clarets’ most influential players and his impact will once more be necessary against a seemingly revitalised United side.
Jeff Hendrick (SS)
Hendrick may have struggled a bit against Palace but he can be lethal on his good day and Dyche will be hoping he can harness some of that energy against United.
Ashley Barnes (CF)
With Wood unsure of making a return, Barnes should return to this role when the Red Devils pay a visit on Saturday.