The Premier League action resumes on the weekend following midweek’s continental football. Vincent Kompany, the former Manchester City defender, now managing Burnley, will host Manchester United, led by Ten Hag, at their home stadium Turf Moor, on Saturday evening.
Burnley currently occupies the 19th position in the league, residing in the relegation zone with three losses and a single draw, which they recently achieved against Forrest on Tuesday. The Clarets have played one fewer game than the rest of the teams and are still in search of their first win since returning to the top flight.
Burnley striker Lyle Foster will miss this fixture match due to a three-match suspension following his red card against Nottingham Forest.
On the other hand, after a 4-3 loss at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Champions League, the Red Devils will undoubtedly be aiming to bounce back against Burnley. Despite a promising start to the Premier League season, Man United has suffered three defeats in their first five fixtures, including two consecutive losses against Arsenal and Brighton.
Manchester United continues to suffer from injury crisis and off-pitch issues and have lost four of their first six matches across all competitions this season.
Both of these teams are facing similar problems with injuries, suspensions, and defeats lately, and will be in desperate need of a win already at such an early stage of the season.
WHEN & WHERE?
Where: Turf Moor, Burnley
When: Saturday, 23 September, 2023.
Time: 8 PM BST
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Tony Harrington.
Assistants: Richard West & Tim Wood.
Fourth official: Chris Kavanagh.
VAR: Simon Hooper.
Assistant VAR: Sian Massey-Ellis.
TEAM NEWS
Hjalmar Ekdal, Michael Obafemi, and Darko Churlinov are sidelined due to injuries, while Lyle Foster remains suspended. Vitinho and Jordan Beyer are expected to be available for Saturday’s fixture.”
For Man United, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Tom Heaton, Amad Diallo, and Tyrell Malacia are all unavailable. However, Varane and Mason Mount are hopeful of returning on Saturday. Meanwhile, Antony and Jadon Sancho remain unavailable for selection.
MATCH ANALYSIS
Burnley manager Vincent Kompany is expected to use a 4-2-3-1 formation to counter the visiting side. With Lyle Foster serving his three-match suspension, he will be replaced by Zeki Amdouni, who is set to start as the striker.
A three-man midfield consisting of Zaroury and Koleosho alongside the Englishman Aaron Ramsey is expected. Behind them, Cullen and Brownhill are likely to occupy the roles of two defensive midfielders, and in the backline, O’Shea may replace Jordon Beyer.
Mike Tresor, Anass Zaroury, and Benson Manuel are expected to fight it out to starting place in the lineup. The Clarets would be looking to take the most opportunity out of United’s poor form.
Manchester United, on the other hand, will aim to secure all three points following their recent defeat in the last game. Ten Hag is expected to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation, as the diamond formation proved unsuccessful against Brighton for the Dutchman. He has reverted to his original 4-man backline, a double pivot in midfield, a 3-man midfield, and a striker upfront.
Erik Ten Hag is to lineup, same back four, and Mctominay could partner Casemiro in a double pivot role. Garnacho or Pellistri could start alongside captain Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus at striker.
Varane and Mount could return for the Man United as both were spotted at the training session. Harry Maguire is also expected to be back for this game.
KEY PLAYERS
Zeki Amdouni
In the absence of their top scorer South African striker Lyle Foster, Zeki Amdouni will have the duty of leading the attack for the Clarets. The 22-year-old Swiss international has one goal this season in their recent outing at Forrest and has started all the league games under Kompany.
Rasmus Højlund
The Danish International netted his first Man Utd goal on his Champions League debut at the Allianz arena on Wednesday and will be leading the attack again on Saturday.
Rasmus made his debut cameo appearance against Arsenal in a 3-1 defeat at the Emirates. In the following fixture, Ten Hag gave him his first Premier League start against Brighton. While he didn’t score in the league, he did make an impact in the attack.
The 20-year-old will be keen to register his first league goal for the Red Devils against a struggling Burnley side.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Burnley predicted lineup vs Man United: Trafford; Roberts, Al-Dakhil, O’Shea, Taylor; Cullen, Brownhill; Zaroury, Ramsey, Koleosho; Amdouni.
Man United predicted lineup vs Burnley: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Reguilon; Casemiro, McTominay; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund.