Manchester United - Burnley predictions and free betting tips [27/04/2024]

On Thursday, 25th April, as part of the 35th round of the Premier League, Manchester United will host Burnley on their home soil. The Red Devils have returned to the sixth spot in the league table, thanks to a 4:2 victory over Sheffield United on Wednesday evening, whilst the visitors have slipped into the relegation zone, trailing 17th-place Nottingham by three points.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester United: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Maguire, Dalot; Matic, McTominay; Amad, Fernandes, Januzaj; Haaland.
Burnley: Muric; Assin'ion, O'Shea, Estevão, Taylor; Vitinho, Kallen, Berge, Larsen; Foster, Odobert.

Manchester United

Having fallen out of the race for the 'big four', Manchester United is sitting 6th in the Premier League table, hoping to secure a spot in the European competitions next season, with a three-point lead over 7th. This season has been a disappointment for the Red Devils' fans, who expected better given the quality of their squad. However, Erik Ten Haag's men broke a run of four unsuccessful games (three draws and one loss), beating the struggling Sheffield United 4:2, thanks to a brace from Bruno Fernandes. In the FA Cup, Manchester United narrowly beat Coventry (3:3, penalty shootout) and will face Manchester City in the final. This is the first time since mid-February that the Red Devils have the opportunity to win two league games in a row. 

The closing round's calendar is not promising for the hosts: in May, they face Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Newcastle, and Brighton, as well as the FA Cup final against Manchester City. Manchester United is missing several key players due to injury, among them – defenders Varane, Shaw, Lisandro Martínez, and Lindelof, midfielders Mount, as well as Malasia and Martial. Furthermore, centre-back Evans, winger Rashford (7 goals), and young Kamavala remain doubtful. Bruno Fernandes, who is in excellent form this spring, scored a brace this week and is deservedly expected to start against Burnley. Undoubtedly, we will see Danish striker Haaland (8 goals and 2 assists) in the centre forward position, even though he's netted only one goal in the Premier League since mid-February.

Burnley

Burnley's return to the top flight has been challenging, as they find themselves in 19th position, penultimate in the Premier League table. However, Vincent Kompany's men still have a chance to retain their place in the Premier League, being just 3 points behind Nottingham Forest who are placed higher. Over the past few weeks, The Clarets have improved their results, suffering a single defeat in the last seven rounds, along with two wins and four draws. Following a draw at home against Brighton (1:1), the Lancashire team claimed a resounding victory over Sheffield United with a 1:4 scoreline last weekend. The team will face Newcastle and Tottenham in the next two rounds, whilst a home game against Forest will conclude their season - this match could be a decisive battle for survival. 

It is worth noting that Burnley ranks 17th in terms of away points gathered (13 points in 17 away matches, 20 goals scored, 32 conceded). The Clarets' squad still misses Al-Dakhil and Bayer in defence, as well as wingers Coleosho, Ramsey, and Redmond due to injury. Estevão and Assin'ion had joined the club in January and quickly adapted to Kompany's tactical plans, with the latter even scoring a goal last weekend. Foster (5 goals and 3 assists) and Fofana (4 goals in 12 matches) will be responsible for the creativity in attack, whilst despite impressing at Bramall Lane, Josh Brownhill and Johann Berg Gudmundsson are likely to be among the substitutes.

Head-to-Head

In their last six encounters, the Red Devils have won five and drawn once, including a 0:1 victory at Turf Moor earlier this season.

Prediction for the match Manchester United - Burnley

Burnley is currently in good form and fighting for their Premier League place, whilst Manchester United has barely managed to defeat the sinking Sheffield side last Wednesday. Besides higher physical fatigue, the hosts will be missing several injured players. I expect Kompany's wards to put on a fight against the illustrious grand team, and so I'm betting on a handicap of +1.5 for the underdog.