ManUtd looking to get themselves in the mix for the league
The World Cup break is over and in England it’s straight back to business. Although the EFL Cup “only” kicks off, we’re still expecting a competitive game on Wednesday.
Five-time title winners ManU face a tough task in the fourth round of the country’s second biggest cup competition.
However, the “Red Devils” were able to shine in the league before the World Cup, especially in their own stadium, the home advantage could be a decisive factor in the upcoming match. Even without the no longer wanted superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, we expect a lot of good offensive action and some goals.
That is exactly what the leaders of the second English league want to prevent. Burnley, two-time Premier League title winners, will be looking to use the cup as a stage for a minor sensation. With only one league defeat since mid-August, the underdogs are in excellent form. Can the underdog even turn the betting odds on Manchester United vs. Burnley?
We see the favourites under pressure. Even though many players have been on duty in Qatar recently, the English record champions must win, anything else would be an absolute embarrassment. Accordingly, we see a bet on the hosts as the logical choice for Manchester United vs. Burnley.
Manchester United – Statistics & current form
How did the ten Hag eleven cope with the early “winter break”? In contrast to their opponents, most of the regulars were in action at the World Cup. Will this circumstance be an advantage or a disadvantage?
With Varane and Martinez, two of the most important centre-backs were still on the pitch on Sunday for the final. Maguire, who was eliminated with England in the quarter-finals, will therefore probably be directing at the back. Apart from that, however, all the players have had at least two weeks off.
Will ten Hag only field a B eleven?
Despite the comparatively low prestige of the competition, many regulars could be on the bench for the time being anyway. For many ManU stars such as Fernandes, Casemiro, Antony or Rashford, the World Cup was quite disappointing, and a little rest would certainly do all these players good.
However, this should not influence our forecast for Manchester United vs. Burnley, because quality will still be on the pitch in excessive quantities.
Home advantage as a bonus
With only seven goals conceded at Old Trafford across the competition this season, a solid defensive performance can also be expected on Wednesday. Since mid-October, the nil has been held five times in six home games.
They have also scored two or more goals in four of their past five home duels with their upcoming opponents. Generally speaking, we like to bet on a high total of goals for Manchester United vs. Burnley, as the teams in the EFL Cup often play with an open net and little handbrake.
Predicted Manchester United line-up:
De Gea – Dalot, Maguire, Lindelöf, Malacia – McTominay, van de Beek – Elanga, Fernandes, Sancho – Martial
Last matches played for Manchester United:
Club friendlies
10/12/2022 – Real Betis 1 – 0 Manchester United
08/12/2022 – Cadiz 4 – 2 Manchester United
Premier League
13/11/2022 – Fulham 1 – 2 Manchester United
Carabao Cup
11/11/2022 – Manchester United 4 – 2 Aston Villa
Premier League
06/11/2022 – Aston Villa 3 – 1 Manchester United
Burnley – Statistics & current form
The traditional club has already survived two rounds in the EFL Cup, now it comes to the first real hardness check. If you believe the bookmakers’ odds on Manchester United vs. Burnley, then it’s all over in round four.
However, former Belgium star Vincent Kompany’s side have been very convincing, winning six of their seven games in the Championship since 22 October.
“Red Devils” as tough draw
Apart from a surprise 2-0 win at Old Trafford just under three years ago, they have been anything but successful against the record champions in the recent past. In the past ten years, there has not been another victory in 14 games. Six of the last nine direct duels were lost.
As a small glimmer of hope, it should be noted that ManUtd have always conceded a goal in their last three encounters, which is why a bet on both meetings could be a good choice. In general, the attacking department is in good shape with 14 goals in the last five games.
We are curious to see how the supposed underdogs will do. After all, they are almost ten times inferior to their opponents in terms of market value. This team is reluctant to concentrate solely on defence, which is why an open exchange of blows could be in the offing.
Predicted line-up of Burnley:
Muric – Roberts, Harwood-Bellis, Beyer, Maatsen – Cork, Cullen – Manuel-Hedilazio, Brownhill, Gudmundsson – Rodriguez
Last matches played by Burnley:
Championship
17/12/2022 – Burnley 3 – 1 Middlesboro
11/12/2022 – Queens Park Rangers 0 – 3 Burnley
13/11/2022 – Burnley 3 – 0 Blackburn
Carabao Cup
09/11/2022 – Burnley 3 – 1 Crawley
Championship
05/11/2022 – Sheffield United 5 – 2 Burnley
Manchester United – Burnley Direct comparison / H2H record
The two traditional clubs have faced each other 132 times so far, with the “Red Devils” leading the all-time record with 64 wins. For the current leaders of the second English league, 44 full victories have been achieved, but in the most recent encounters, three points have been a rare occurrence.
Recently, the two clubs have been involved in some thrilling duels, with the total number of goals in two of the last three encounters being four. We expect plenty of goals again.
Manchester United – Burnley Tip
Although many of United coach ten Hag’s charges were away at the World Cup in Qatar last month, the Premier League’s fifth-placed side are clear favourites in the fourth round of the EFL Cup. Their opponents from the second division have already played two rounds of the championship, so the home side might even have a physical advantage.
But we don’t want to get into too much speculation and confirm the odds of the providers for Manchester United vs Burnley. We even see good chances for the “Red Devils”, who have been strong at home lately, to achieve a victory with a goal handicap. This was already achieved in the last cup round.
All in all, we expect an eventful match, Burnley will probably also try their hand on the offensive. Tips on “over 3.5” or “both hit” are certainly a good choice.
