Manchester United will seek to end their two-match winless streak when they host Burnley in the Premier League on Boxing Day. The Red Devils missed a number of clear-cut chances during the 2-2 draw versus Leicester City, and Jose Mourinho will expect a strong performance against a Sean Dyche side, who possess one of the division’s best defensive records.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Lineup:
David de Gea conceded late on against the Foxes last weekend, but Chris Smalling was mostly to blame after he failed to track the run of Harry Maguire carrying a groin problem. Onto the central defence, Phil Jones is a likely contender to start and he could be accompanied by Marcus Rojo with Smalling certain to miss out.
Both Antonio Valencia and Matteo Darmian are on the sidelines through injury, and Mourinho could persist with Victor Lindelof on the right side of the defence after he produced a relatively good performance versus Leicester. At left-back, we are fancying Luke Shaw to get the nod over Ashley Young as part of a rotational policy.
Paul Pogba was not in the best of form against Leicester with his long-range shooting not threatening the opposition. The Frenchman improved on his link-up play as the game went on, and he should start alongside Nemanja Matic in central midfield.
Further forward, Mourinho is likely to stick with Juan Mata in the number 10 role after his impressive brace versus Leicester whilst Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard could be fancied to retain their positions either side of the Spain international.
Romelu Lukaku was unlikely to come up without a goal or assist for his efforts, and he was mainly letdown by his fellow attackers. The Belgian has been ever-present in the Premier League campaign, and he is certain to lead the line.
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