United Vs Burnley Match Preview

 After a draw and a loss in succession, United will look to hit top form again when they take on Lancashire side Burnley tomorrow.

Form

Burnley, who have recently employed Brian Laws as their new manager, will be attempting to repeat their shock 1-0 win in August but that won’t be easy. Form away from Turf Moor has been their Achilles heel – they’ve not won on their travels in the league all season. And having not won anywhere, home or away, in the last nine league games, they look to be heading in the wrong direction at the moment. United however, will be looking to increase the pressure on title leaders Chelsea, after failing to capture the full three points last week at St Andrew’s.

Team News

Manchester United’s uphill injury battle is nearing its end with key players within touching distance of return. Edwin Van Der Sar and Rio Ferdinand could both be in contention for a possible return after returning to training this week. In addition to Rio and Edwin, Ben Foster, Nemanja Vidic and Nani could also be in contention again recovering from their various injuries. Dimitar Berbatov however could face a lengthy spell out with his persistent knee problem. The Bulgarian captain, who has recently been named The Bulgarian player of the year, has been told he could be forced to a have surgery on his troublesome knee. The Clarets, meanwhile, are an almost fully fit side with only one player defiantly out- the skipper Steven Caldwell. Martin Paterson could be in contention for a return but is only likely to make the bench after recovering from a knee problem. Likewise, Stephen Jordan is set to appear after serving his one match ban for dissent.

Star Man

Name: Graham Alexander                                                                                                        Age: 38                                                                                                                                                 Height: 5 ft 11 in                                                                                                                        Team: Burnley F.C.                                                                                                                      Number: 2                                                                                                                                      Transfer Fee: £ 200,000                                                                                         International Appearances: (Scotland) 40                                                        Position: Right Back and Central Defensive Midfielder 

Officials

Lee Probert will have his first opportunity to referee a United game on Saturday. The 37 year-old from Gloucestershire has made 32 bookings in the Premier League and has brandished two red cards, both coming in Everton’s game against Aston Villa in October.

Likely Line Ups

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Rafael, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Park, Carrick, Anderson, Valencia, Rooney, Owen.

Burnley: Jensen, Mears, Duff, Carlisle, Jordan, Eagles, Alexander, Elliot, Gudjonsson, Fletcher, Nugent.

Predictions

Score line: Man Utd 3-0 Burnley

Odds: Man Utd 1/6 Draw 6/1 Burnley 16/1

Man to watch: Mame Biram Diouf