Manchester United find themselves in unfamiliar territory after collecting just one point to start off their Premier League season in two matches against less-than-stellar opposition. It’s been a slow start for the Red Devils, but they may finally get going against recently-promoted Burnley. However, don’t expect Burnley to bend over and provide an easy win. They’ll be powered by their home fans to give Manchester United quite a scrap.
For more teams to watch out for in the English Premier League, check out our complete season preview here. Otherwise, continue reading as Manchester United tries to make up for lost ground in the early stages of the league.
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Manchester United vs. Burnley Betting Preview and Prediction
Where: Turf Moor, Burnley
When: Saturday, August 30, 7:45 AM ET
Line: Manchester United -240 at Burnley +520; tie +310; total 2.5 – view all EPL lines
What’s at Stake
[sc:Soccer240banner ]Manchester United was supposedly up for a strong start this season, especially after dominating in their preseason tour in the United States. Instead, the Red Devils lost their season opener 2-1 against Swansea and drew with Sunderland 1-1 for a measly one point from their first two games.
Manchester United is now hard-pressed to get their first win of the season against lowly Burnley, who will be gunning for a big win against the reeling giants of world football.
Betting on Manchester United
Manager Louis Van Gaal is widely hailed as a soccer genius and was supposed to lead Manchester United into a Premier League-winning season after a disastrous seventh-place finish last year. Instead, the Red Devils are in the midst of their worst start to since 1992-1993 when they lost their first two games. After two games, Manchester United has struggled under Van Gaal’s 3-5-2 system, but still has the talent to quickly turn it around.
Spanish forward Juan Mata scored his first goal of the current season against Sunderland on Saturday, but the attacking trio of Mata, Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie is still trying to find form as a new unit.
But while the Red Devils add to their stellar cast of attackers, their defense is a more pressing concern. They conceded soft goals to Sunderland and Swansea, both far from contender status last year, as central defenders Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Tyler Blackett have been stumped by their opponents’ attacks so far this season. Meanwhile, wing backs Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia were useful up front, but could not offer solid defense on their side of the pitch.
Smalling suffered a groin injury against Sunderland, which could mean that newly-acquired defender Marco Rojo will have to make his Premier League debut against Burnley.
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Betting on Burnley
A recent addition to the Premier League, Burnley lost its first two games of the season against Chelsea and Swansea. However, they have repeatedly threatened with their attack despite being looked upon as minnows in the league.
Early in their season opener against title-contenders Chelsea, Scott Arfield scored a goal from outside the box for an unlikely lead, and almost scored another in the second half. However, Chelsea proved too much for Burnley as the Clarets ultimately lost 3-1. Lukas Jutkiewics and David Jones also came close to scoring an equalizer in their second league match, but could not find the back of the net as they fell 1-0 to Swansea.
After their first two matches in the Premier League, Burnley has struggled to finish their attacks despite matching Swansea and Chelsea shot for shot, 21-21, over two matches. But with how United’s defense has played so far, Burnley’s attackers should have their fair share of scoring opportunities if they continue playing the positive football they displayed against Chelsea.
However, Burnley manager Sean Dyche will be more concerned with their recent defensive mistakes. Right-back Kieran Tripper missed on a pass to Tom Heaton which almost led to Chelsea’s Schürrle scoring. Meanwhile, Ben Mee was responsible for leaving an opponent unmarked which led to a goal.
The Clarets’ defensive struggle makes it difficult for them to keep possession. They only took control of the ball 42% in two matches played. This failure to keep the ball may even be further amplified against Manchester United’s possession-based game.
Burnley is 1-8 against Manchester United since November 1974.
Writer’s Prediction
Manchester United (-240) heats up and gets their first win of the season.
