With the international break fast approaching, the final games of the weekend in the Premier League will take place on Sunday. There is a huge game to end the fourth round of fixtures as Burnley welcome Manchester United to Turf Moor.
The importance of this match cannot be overstated for both teams. Burnley have yet to win a game in the Premier League this season and with their European dreams in tatters, the Clarets are desperate for a win.
Manchester United’s problems have been well documented and the Red Devils need to win this game or it could be curtains for their manager, Jose Mourinho.
Burnley come into this match on the back of a very disappointing night in the Europa League playoffs. Despite creating plenty of chances to score, Burnley struggled to find the back of the net. In pushing for the goals required against Olympiakos, Burnley were caught on the break. The 1-1 final score sent them out of the competition.
The Clarets have made a stuttering start to their Premier League campaign and trends show they have failed to win any of their three matches. There have been defeats at home to Watford and away to Fulham and their only point has come courtesy of a 0-0 draw at Southampton on the opening weekend of the season.
Trends show Burnley have not been at their best for some time and they have won only five of their last thirty-one matches in all competitions. In nine of their last eleven at home, both teams have scored and their defence has been below par.
Manchester United suffered a 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur last week and the alarm bells have been ringing around Old Trafford. Having defeated Leicester City in the first game of the season, Manchester United have lost their last two Premier League matches.
Prior to the loss against Spurs, Manchester United defended terribly in a 3-2 defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion and Mourinho needs to address the obvious problems at the back.
Perhaps this is the game which will give Manchester United the boost they need ahead of the international break. Trends show the Red Devils are undefeated in their last seven league games against Burnley and have kept a clean sheet in five of those matches.
Team news and Burnley are expected to make several changes to the team which played against Olympiakos on Thursday night. Chris Wood, James Tarkowski, Matt Lowton, Jack Cork, Joe Hart and Stephen Ward started that match on the bench and are expected to come into the starting XI.
Alexis Sanchez was on the bench for the match against Spurs but could return to the starting XI for this game. Mourinho has problems in defence but could go for a back four, with Antonio Valencia, Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw as the players selected to keep that elusive clean sheet.
Both teams will be unhappy with the start they have made to the 2018/19 season. However, Manchester United have had all week to prepare for this game and should have enough to see off an out of form Burnley team to take maximum points. Do not be surprised to see both teams scoring.