Burnley vs Manchester United predictions for Saturday’s Premier League clash. It has been a turbulent start of the season for Man Utd who are heading to Burnley on the back of three consecutive defeats in all competitions. Would they be able to bounce back? Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Match Live Saturday, 23rd September at 8:00 pm In:
Burnley vs Manchester United Predictions
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Turf Moor Tussle: Manchester United Seek Redemption against Resolute Burnley
Key Stats
– Burnley are still chasing their first Premier League victory this season.
– Marcus Rashford has taken a remarkable 23 shots this season but has only one goal to show for it.
The weekend promises an intriguing encounter at Turf Moor, as Manchester United hope to steer clear of their early-season troubles against Vincent Kompany’s Burnley. With both teams yet to establish a commanding position, this match could be a pivotal turning point in their respective campaigns.
Manchester United’s Rocky Start
The Red Devils find themselves in unfamiliar territory, having already suffered three losses in the early stages of the 2023-24 Premier League season. Not since the 1989-90 campaign under Sir Alex Ferguson have they found themselves in such a predicament. The ghosts of 1986-87 season, where they secured a mere 11th place finish, are looming.
Burnley’s Hunt for Victory
The Clarets, on the other hand, managed to snatch their first point against Nottingham Forest on Matchday 5 but remain winless. They’ve played a game less than most other Premier League teams, so there’s a potential for a shift in the table. Their next match against Luton Town, rescheduled for a fortnight later, will be one to watch.
Players to Watch and Those Missing
Burnley’s Lyle Foster, their two-goal top scorer, will unfortunately be absent due to suspension. In his stead, Zeki Amdouni, who boasts the highest number of shots for Burnley this term alongside Foster, will be keen to step up, especially after his recent goal against Forest.
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Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford seems to be hungry for goals, with a whopping 23 shots this season. However, he’s only found the back of the net once. Alongside him, Bruno Fernandes, United’s chief creator, has crafted double the chances of any of his teammates.
However, Manchester United’s defensive woes persist, with key players like Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, and Harry Maguire sidelined. Questions also arise on the fitness of Sofyan Amrabat, Mason Mount, and Raphael Varane.
Bitter Memories and Hopeful Futures
Historically, Burnley’s record against United isn’t flattering. Having won just once in their last 15 league encounters, their only beacon of hope is the memory of a 2-0 triumph at Old Trafford in January 2020. Turf Moor hasn’t seen a victory against the Red Devils since their Premier League debut in August 2009.
However, it’s worth noting that Manchester United’s recent form on the road has been shaky, with 18 defeats in their travels since their record-breaking unbeaten away streak ended in September 2021.
Form Guide
Burnley’s home record paints a gloomy picture, with five consecutive losses. Their disciplinary record hasn’t helped either, with three red cards in their last six matches.
Manchester United, after their recent Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich, echoes the rocky times of 1986-87 under Ron Atkinson.
BettingTips4You Expert Ratings and Analysis
Burnley’s top performers, based on our expert ratings, have been Zeki Amdouni and Charlie Taylor, both averaging a 7.00 rating. Manchester United, meanwhile, sees Luke Shaw and Bruno Fernandes leading the way with ratings of 7.70 and 7.56, respectively.
Tactical Analysis
It’s always a dance of strategy when two teams face off, and the upcoming clash between Manchester United and Burnley promises to be no exception. Let’s dive deep into the approaches and tactics of these two sides.
The Playbook of Strategies
Burnley, managed by Vincent Kompany, often build their tactics around a strong and resilient defence. Their disciplined backline, however, has been marred with ill-discipline recently, as evidenced by the red cards received in three of their last six Premier League matches. They’re still searching for their first win this term, suggesting that their defensive strategy, albeit steadfast, might need some reworking.
On the other hand, Manchester United’s woes seem to be echoing from decades past. Their three losses in the first five games resonate with the trials and tribulations from the 1986-87 season. One key difference, however, is the offensive dynamism added by players like Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes. Their attacking drive often opens up spaces for the opposition, which, in the absence of key defenders like Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw, has seen them concede significantly.
Example: Rashford, despite taking 23 shots, has only found the net once. This inefficiency in front of goal, combined with defensive fragilities, poses a significant challenge for United.
Key Players Making the Difference
For Burnley, Zeki Amdouni stands out. With a BettingTips4You rating of 7.00 and having the most shots for Burnley this season alongside Foster, he is clearly a potent threat. With Foster out due to suspension, much will be expected of Amdouni.
Manchester United’s talisman Bruno Fernandes continues to pull strings in the midfield. He has created twice as many chances as any other player for United. However, the goalkeeping woes highlighted by André Onana’s tough start, including errors like the one against Bayern Munich, make United vulnerable at the back.
Behind the Curtain: The Management’s Role
Vincent Kompany, a stalwart defender in his playing days, naturally has instilled a sense of defensive rigidity in Burnley. Yet, the team seems to be struggling to translate this into consistent results.
Erik ten Hag, coming in with a reputation for fluid football from his Ajax days, seems to have a conundrum at hand. With injuries to key players and defensive vulnerabilities, perhaps a more balanced approach might be the key for United.
Expected Goals and Tactics Face-Off
Given the shot statistics, Manchester United are creating more opportunities with an average of 15.8 shots per game compared to Burnley’s 10.3. However, their conversion rate is an area of concern.
Tactically, United’s 50% ball possession indicates a balanced approach, but their vulnerabilities lie in their defence, having conceded 10 goals. Burnley, holding slightly less of the ball at 47.8%, have been more porous, letting in 12 goals.
Example: Both teams’ inability to keep clean sheets (Burnley with none and United with just one) makes it likely that this will be a game with goals from both sides.
Comparing the Teams
Historically, Manchester United have a dominant record against Burnley. Yet, the home advantage for Burnley combined with United’s recent defensive lapses could level the playing field.
Suggested Improvements and Potential Dynamics
For Burnley, refining their discipline on the pitch and reinforcing their offensive strategies could be vital. With Manchester United’s defensive players sidelined, exploiting these gaps will be crucial.
Manchester United might consider fortifying their defence and being more clinical upfront. A reinforced defensive midfield could shield their current shaky defence.
Strengths, Weaknesses, and the Dynamics
Burnley:
Strengths: Defensive resilience, home advantage. Weaknesses: Lack of discipline, reduced offensive threats without Foster.
Manchester United:
Strengths: Offensive dynamism through Fernandes and Rashford, historically strong record against Burnley. Weaknesses: Defensive fragilities, inefficient conversion of chances.
Predictions
1. Both Teams to Score: Yes
The upcoming clash between Manchester United and Burnley at Turf Moor is expected to be a goal-fest. Manchester United, despite their traditional prowess, have had a rocky start to the season, already registering three losses. Their defence, under the careful watch of André Onana, has conceded 14 goals from 39 shots on target. That’s a worrying rate of 36% shots on target ending up in the net.
The midweek loss to Bayern Munich in the UCL, where they let in four goals, further exposes their defensive frailties. On the other side, Burnley’s attacking force will be without their two-goal top scorer, Lyle Foster, due to a suspension. However, Zeki Amdouni, having scored in the last match and attempted the most shots for Burnley alongside Foster, is keen to fill the void. Given these circumstances, both teams finding the net seems a likely outcome.
2. Correct Score: 2-1 in favour of Manchester United
Diving deep into both teams’ current forms, a tight scoreline in favour of Manchester United could be on the cards. Despite their defensive issues, the Red Devils have firepower up front, with Rashford keen to improve on his conversion rate and Rasmus Højlund fresh off his debut goal. Burnley’s record against the Mancunians isn’t glittering, with only one win in their last 15 league encounters.
At Turf Moor, their woes are even more pronounced with no wins in the last seven matches against United. However, their goal in their last home tie against United and United’s shaky defence gives them a good chance to score. United’s superior quality might give them the edge, but Burnley’s fighting spirit, especially on their home ground, suggests they’ll get on the scoresheet as well.
3. Goalscorer Prediction: Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford is the man to watch in this fixture. He’s been United’s most ambitious player in front of goal this season, taking eight more shots than any of his teammates in the Premier League. Although his conversion rate has been wanting – with just one goal from 23 attempts – a player of Rashford’s calibre will always be looking to rectify such anomalies.
Being provided ample opportunities by Bruno Fernandes, who’s created twice as many chances as any other Manchester United player this season, Rashford has all the service he needs to find the net. Against a Burnley side that’s yet to find its defensive rhythm this season, this might be Rashford’s chance to shine.
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