Manchester United head to the Turf Moor on Sunday badly needing a result. The bad news is, obviously, how poor their form has been lately. The good news is the side is getting much healthier and fit now. More players who were hurt are now coming back into the team. Argentinian defender Marcos Rojo is back in training but still not yet available for selection.
The only new injury is to Phil Jones, who was subbed off of the loss to Tottenham Hostpur with a suspected hamstring injury. He is likely to be replaced in the starting XI by Chris Smalling.
For Burnley, goalkeeper Tom Heaton has now returned to full fitness following a battle with a calf issue.
The former Red Devils shot stopper has seen action in their European competition, but Joe Hart is the No. 1 right now for Premier League fixtures, as Nick Pope is still rehabbing his damaged shoulder.
Elsewhere, Johann Berg Gudmundsson is still nursing a hamstring injury. Neither team has any players suspended for this contest.
Mourinho just gave a very interesting presser this afternoon, where he continued to ramp up his recent bragging and self-congratulation. Despite all his ornery and unsettled behavior lately, Mourinho reportedly remains in no danger of the sack.
Of course, his seat will warm if the losing spell extends to three. Also, this match was supposed to feature a United supporter protest against Vice Chair Ed Woodward, consisting of an airplane flyover the stadium.
So, hey fun times all around!
United Starting XI Prediction, Team News: go to this link
Kick-off: 4 pm (BST), Sunday 2, Sept
Odds via Betway: Burnley 9/2, Draw 11/4, United 4/6
Prediction: United 1, Burnley 0
Mourinho is feeling the pressure- it’s obvious, but I still like his chances of delivering all three points from this clash. They’re due!
As always, feel free to post your own United and/or Clarets starting XI predictions, as well as your best guess as to what the final score will be.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, is currently a regular contributor to SB Nation, WGN CLTV and Chicago Now.
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