Sides with opposing fortunes meet at Old Trafford on Sunday

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Manchester United look to cement their position in the Champions League spots, whilst Sean Dyche’s Burnley aim to dispose of any relegation fears.

Manchester United head into this fixture on the back of a 3-1 away win over Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur in their last Premier League outing. Despite going into the break 1-0 down, the Red Devils flourished after the break.

South Korea international, Son Heung-min gave Spurs the lead minutes after United had looked to open the scoring, only for the goal to be ruled out for a foul from midfielder, Scott McTominay in the build-up.

Meanwhile, a triumphant second half display saw the Red Devils discount the home sides one goal advantage, as goals from Fred, Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood secured all three points for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

majestic
/məˈdʒɛstɪk/
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1. beautiful, powerful, or causing great admiration and respect

? See: Edinson Cavani ? pic.twitter.com/mu1tWLzApI

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 11, 2021

The Reds maintained their winning form in a 2-0 (4-0 aggregate) win over Granada in the Europa League on Thursday night, to take their spot in the Europa League semi-final.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s fixture, Solskjaer told Manchester United’s official website: “The last three games against Burnley we have conceded two goals. we have not won any of the last three home games against Burnley. It is a massive game for the players. Massive game for them to show the mentality that they have shown over the last 13-14 months because I think the attitude has been spot on. The determination, the bounce back ability the of not letting one defeat derail your season or lose the momentum. Get straight back on getting points or a win.” Solskjaer told Manchester United’s official website.

Burnley, on the other hand, lost 2-1 at home to relegation rivals Newcastle United last Sunday. Second half substitution, Allan Saint-Maximin notched up with a goal and an assist for the Magpies to make Matej Vydra’s first half opener nothing more than a consolation for the Clarets.

A game which some may say hauled Burnley back into a relegation battle, as this loss saw the visitors move within one place of Sean Dyche’s side who sit seven points adrift of the relegation zone.

With Burnley heading into Sunday’s fixture as the underdogs, Sean Dyche told Burnley’s official website: “They’re in good form, they have had a good run recently, they have some great players and they’re a great outfit and we know they will cause a threat.”

Though, the Clarets boss hasn’t ruled out the chances of an upset, he added: “I think the truth it we perform well, they’re in good form and they’re a good side, we all know that, but we were very good last time there.”

Two to watch:

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Paul Pogba is playing with a real swagger these days, attaining five goal involvements in his last six appearances for Manchester United in all competitions (one goal and four assists). Having scored the winner in the sides last meeting, he’ll be looking to make good use of his technical ability and physicality to bully the Clarets.

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Burnley’s one-dimensional football always makes it a tough watch for any viewer, but Matej Vydra has accounted himself among the goals in recent weeks. The Czech Republic international has scored three and assisted one in his last five games for the Clarets.

Team News:

Manchester United will be without French forward Anthony Martial (sprained knee) and central defender Phil Jones (knee), while there are doubts over the availability of Ivorian centre-back Eric Bailly (Isolating) and Marcus Rahsford (foot). Apart from these individuals, Solskjaer is expected to have a fully fit squad at his disposal.

Elsewhere, Burnley will be without Republic of Ireland internationals Robbie Brady (Achilles injury) and Kevin Long (Calf injury). Ashley Barnes (Thigh injury) remains a doubt alongside Dwight McNeil (knock), but Jay Rodriguez (birth of first child) and Nick Pope (Shoulder injury) may be recalled.

H2H:

In 13 head-to-head encounters between the two sides, Manchester United hold the clear advantage. Having won seven, lost two and drawn four. Though the Red Devils have failed to win any of their last four home meetings with Burnley (3D,1L).

The two clubs last met earlier in the year (January), where a Paul Pogba strike earnt the Reds all three points on a cold night at Turf Moor.

The host’s have lost just once in their last 18 games in all competitions, winning their last four outings. Whereas for Burnley, it’s back-to-back losses in which they have held a leading position in both encounters. Something that will catch the eye of United having gained 28 points from losing positions so far this season.

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