United Predictions: Who will start at Burnley?

It remains to be seen whether Erik ten Hag will make alterations to his starting XI at Turf Moor, after factoring in the effects of midweek travel from Germany and the match itself at the Allianz Arena, where United were narrowly defeated 4-3.

Ahead of this evening's clash against last season's EFL Championship winners, The Athletic journalist Carl Anka gave us his prediction for Ten Hag's team selection at Turf Moor and discussed the welcome news that Sofyan Amrabat, Mason Mount and Raphael Varane are all back in training with the Reds.

Read Anka's pre-match thoughts below before deciding whether you agree or disagree and guessing the line-up yourself in our United Predictions game.

"I think it's a huge boost," said Anka, after Erik confirmed the absentees' training return in his pre-match conference on Friday.

"Erik ten Hag said before the Bayern Munich game that he's not had a chance to play his best XI yet, or perhaps ever. I think that's interesting as you really get a sense that the team Erik wants to play, and the one he's had to play recently, haven't quite aligned. 

"If you think about Erik’s signings this summer, he's not had the chance to use all of them in the same game. So the closer that everyone gets fit, the better Manchester United should hopefully play."

While United lost in Munich on Wednesday, Anka says he was impressed by on-loan full-back Sergio Reguilon, adding that he wouldn't be surprised if Facundo Pellistri makes his second consecutive start for the Reds when we take on Vincent Kompany's side this evening.

"It's an interesting one, Pellistri, in that he's played more minutes for Uruguay than he has for Manchester United since his arrival at the club," he added.

"Ten Hag has played his cards close to his chest about what he thinks of the player, but I think Pellistri acquitted himself to a decent degree against Bayern Munich. If Ten Hag wanted to select him again, in the same starting line-up, I don't think there'd be too many questions or raised eyebrows there.

"I'm also interested to see more from Reguilon. He's only on a short-term loan at this point in time, but fans seem to be impressed by how energetic he is."

Disappointing results may well prompt managers to make changes, but Carl believes Erik will maintain faith with his selection from Munich, as he has done in the past, to allow them to bounce back with a victory this weekend.

"I think he might [choose] the same line-up again," he said.

"That's something Ten Hag has done quite oftenafter a defeat last season where he makes a statement that says thesame team plays again.

"So yeah, I wouldn't be surprised if he justnames the same line-up that started against Bayern Munich."

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