Burnley’s first European adventure under Sean Dyche came to a crashing end at Turf Moor as Greek side Olympiakos managed to hold on to a 1-1 draw to get through to the group stages of the Europa League 4-2 on aggregate. They have already played six games this season, three of them in the league, but are yet to register a victory in the domestic competition.
The Clarets lost to Fulham and Watford in their previous two games but now that they have no European commitments, can now turn their attention to collecting points in the domestic league. It’s not going to get easier though as they’ll take on a wounded Manchester United side.
Burnley Team News
Burnley will be without Steven Defour, Nick Pope and Johann Berg Gudmundsson, all nursing long-term injuries. Robbie Brady and Anders Lindegaard are close to full fitness, but might not make it to the squad this weekend.
Expected Burnley lineup (4-4-2)
Defence
With 4.7 saves per game already, Joe Hart has been impressive for Burnley in goal and deserves to keep his place under the bar this weekend.
With two goals, 2.3 tackles and 9.7 clearances per game, James Tarkowski is statistically one of the best defenders in the league and he will hope to keep Romelu Lukaku quiet. He should be partnered with Ben Mee, who also has 2.3 tackles and a passing accuracy of 85% per game this season.
Stephan Ward has been tested in each of the first three games and against the United wingers, he could have another busy evening. Matthew Lowton has registered 3.3 tackles and four clearances per game this season and could be hard to beat for Alexis Sanchez on the right flank.
Midfield
With three tackles and two interceptions per game, Ashley Westwood has been effective in a defensive midfield role. He will keep his place in the side and will partner Jack Cork, whose passing accuracy of 87%. The latter will have to relieve the pressure with his impressive distribution.
Aaron Lennon is yet to make an impact on the first team but should get another chance to impress on the right side of the midfield. He will add some pace and width to the Burnley side.
With Johann Berg Gudmundsson out injured, Jeff Hendrick might have to be pushed on the left side, adding more steel to the Burnley midfield.
Attack
Chris Wood, who has won 3.7 aerial duels per game already this season, has been a regular in the first team and will continue to lead the line for Burnley. He will have Ashley Barnes alongside him in a strike partnership, as the latter did not last the entire game against Olympiakos in the mid-week.
Here is how they might line up:
Stat Credit: Whoscored.com
