Team News
Manchester United
- Chris Smalling has added to Jose Mourinho’s problems after suffering a groin injury in Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Leicester on Saturday night.
- Matteo Darmian missed the draw through injury and remains a doubt for Boxing Day, while Antonio Valencia and Eric Bailly are also sidelined from United’s defenders.
- Luke Shaw could start at left-back if Mourinho feels Ashley Young needs a rest, while Marcos Rojo should slot in for Smalling against Burnley at Old Trafford.
- No changes are expected in attack, although Marcus Rashford may rotate in for Anthony Martial after starting Saturday’s draw on the bench.
Burnley
- James Tarkowski serves the second of his three-match ban on Boxing day, meaning Kevin Long should continue at centre-back in his absence.
- Chris Wood was forced with injury in the 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham on Saturday and is not expected to be available for the trip to Old Trafford.
- Matthew Lowton was an unused substitute against Spurs and should regain his place in the starting XI at the expense of Phil Bardsley.
- Jonathan Walters was also on the bench at the weekend but hasn’t featured since August and needs to build up his match fitness from the bench.
- Nahki Wells could make his full Premier League debut if Sean Dyche decides he needs to freshen things up.
Match Facts
Man Utdhave kept a clean sheet in 8 of their last 10 home matches (Premier League).
Man Utdhavewon 9 of their last 10 home matches (Premier League).
Man Utdhave kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 matches against Burnley in all competitions.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Man Utd‘s last 6 games (Premier League).
Man Utdareundefeated in their last 5 matches against Burnley in all competitions.
Prediction
- Manchester United are now 13 points behind league leaders Manchester City after only managing a 2-2 draw with Leicester on Saturday – a game they should have won by three or four.
- Burnley had only conceded three goals at home all season before facing Tottenham on Saturday. That tally doubled after Harry Kane hat-trick and now they travel to Old Trafford where they haven’t won since 1962.
- United’s usually tight defence has been leaking goals of late, illustrated by just two clean sheets in their last 12 matches in all competitions. That will give Burnley confidence, but Jose Mourinho will demand a response from his players after watching them throw two points away at the weekend.
Prediction:
Manchester United
2
1
Burnley