United v Burnley: The essential info

The caretaker manager is hoping to maintain his 100 per cent start when we host the Clarets.

The Norwegian oversaw his eighth game in charge, and eighth win, against Arsenal last weekend and is aiming to push that number to double figures by the end of the week.

However, Burnley have proved to be tough opponents in recent years and have emerged from Old Trafford with a point in each of the last two seasons.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game…

WHAT’S THE TEAM NEWS?
Solskjaer confirmed defender Chris Smalling could return to action. “Chris has trained for a week now, so he’s looking good,” Ole told MUTV. “It’s about when do we get him into the team." However, Marouane Fellaini and Marcos Rojo remain unavailable due to injury. 

The boss has something of a selection dilemma for this one, after the impressive performances of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez against Arsenal. The pair started in place of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, meaning Solskjaer has a tough decision as to whether to recall that duo or not. That could, however, be influenced by United’s busy fixture schedule and Ole could be tempted to rotate his squad with two Premier League games in a week.

WHAT ABOUT BURNLEY?
Former Reds winger Robbie Brady will face a late fitness test to determine whether he is fit to feature at Old Trafford; the Irish international was replaced at half-time in Burnley's FA Cup defeat to Manchester City on Saturday with a groin problem. Johann Berg Gudmundsson and ex-United defender Phil Bardsley are in a similar boat and will be assessed before the game. However, Matt Lowton and Aaron Lennon will not feature, with both struggling due to injury. Nick Pope started in goal for Burnley on Saturday, but the visitors will likely revert to first-choice shot-stopper, and another United old boy, Tom Heaton.

HOW HAVE THEY BEEN GETTING ON?
Burnley suffered something of an off day against Manchester City on Saturday, losing 5-0 at the Etihad. However, that has not been the norm for the Clarets in recent weeks. Prior to the City game, Sean Dyche’s men had won four of the previous five, beating West Ham United, Huddersfield Town, Barnsley and Fulham. Burnley sit 16th in the table having picked up 22 points from 23 games this season.

OUR RECORD AGAINST THE CLARETS
We have had 127 meetings with Burnley, the first of which took place in 1892. We have won 61 of the previous games, drawing 22 and losing 44. In the Premier League we have played Burnley on nine occasions, winning five and losing just once. Tuesday will also be the 50th time we have hosted Burnley at Old Trafford. Last season, a second-half Jesse Lingard brace ensured we earned a home point against the Lancashire club, yet we went one better at Turf Moor earlier this campaign, winning 2-0 thanks a double from Romelu Lukaku.

WHO’S THEIR MANAGER?
Sean Dyche is one of the longest-serving managers among the current Premier League clubs, having taken charge of the Clarets in 2012. He has since overseen two promotions from the Championship and is closing in on 300 games at the helm.

WHO IS THE REFEREE?
Jonathan Moss will take charge of his fourth United match of the season. The 48-year also oversaw the reverse fixture between the two sides in September, as well as our wins against Everton and Huddersfield Town earlier in the campaign. He will be assisted at Old Trafford by Marc Perry and Harry Lennard, while Martin Atkinson will assume the role of fourth official.

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE SCORE WILL BE?
Get involved by predicting the outcome of Saturday’s game. Win exclusive prizes throughout the season by playing the Match Predictor.

WHO ELSE IS IN ACTION?
There is a full round of midweek Premier League fixtures spread across Tuesday and Wednesday. Here’s the full schedule…

TUESDAY 29 JANUARY
Arsenal v Cardiff City
Fulham v Brighton and Hove Albion
Huddersfield Town v Everton
Wolverhampton Wanderers v West Ham United
Manchester United v Burnley (20:00 GMT)
Newcastle United v Manchester City (20:00 GMT)

WEDNESDAY 30 JANUARY
Bournemouth v Chelsea
Southampton v Crystal Palace
Liverpool v Leicester City (20:00 GMT)
Tottenham Hotspur v Watford (20:00 GMT)

Matches kick off at 19:45 GMT unless stated.

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