Manchester United return to action this Wednesday as the Red Devils host Burnley in their EFL Cup round of 16 tie at Old Trafford. With manager Erik Ten Hag yet to have a full-strength squad at his disposal, the Dutchman will be keen on witnessing a dominant performance from players vying for a first-team spot over the coming weeks.
With United expected to emerge as contenders for the EFL Cup provided they deliver a notable performance on Wednesday the Red Devils will be favouring their prospects for silverware at the end of the season. Moreover, with a majority of the first-team starters having enjoyed a fruitful World Cup campaign, Ten Hag will be keen on a consistent and improved standard of performance moving forward.
While World Cup-winning centre-back Lisandro Martinez is unlikely to be in the match-day squad on Wednesday, both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are expected to be named in the backline against Burnley. Donny Van De Beek, Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Elanga, and Anthony Martial remain the likeliest of players to be named in the frontline while Christian Eriksen is expected to slot in the midfield alongside Scott McTominay at Old Trafford.
Probable Manchester United Starting Line-Up Against Burnley
Goalkeeper
David De Gea (GK): Expected to emerge as a refreshed figure following a break, De Gea will be hoping to perform to his best over the coming weeks. Likely to continue retaining his spot moving forward, the Spaniard will be looking to build on his promising displays over the coming fixtures.
Defenders
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB): Likely to be granted his first start under Ten Hag on Wednesday, Wan-Bissaka will be hoping to deliver a notable performance against Burnley. Although expected to leave the club in January, the right-back will be looking to make a valuable contribution on Wednesday.
Victor Lindelof (RCB): Amongst the players expected to be granted game-time, Lindelof will be keen on delivering a notable display at Old Trafford. Yet to deliver a consistent challenge for a starting spot, the Swedish international will be looking to make the best of his opportunities moving forward.
Harry Maguire (LCB): Expected to lead the side against Burnley, Maguire will be keen on carrying forward his excellent World Cup form over the coming fixtures. Needing to deliver consistent performances if the centre-back is to regain his starting spot, the England international will be keen on producing pivotal contributions over the coming weeks.
Tyrell Malacia (LB): Unutilised at the World Cup, the Dutch left-back will be keen on making the best of his opportunity against Burnley. Despite having made an excellent start to his career at United, Malacia will be looking for consistency, with the left-back expected to push for a starting spot against Nottingham Forest in the league next week.
Midfielders
Scott McTominay (CDM): Amongst the players expected to challenge for a starting spot over the coming fixtures, McTominay will be looking to deliver a notable performance on Wednesday. Although having struggled for consistency, the midfielder will be keen on making a difference on the pitch moving forward.
Christian Eriksen (CM): Amongst the team’s most impactful players before the World Cup break, Eriksen will be keen on hitting the ground running on Wednesday. Likely to play a pivotal role in the team’s prospects against Burnley, the Danish international will be looking to deliver a notable display at Old Trafford.
Attackers
Anthony Elanga (RW): Although having struggled to make an impact during his cameos under Ten Hag, Elanga will be keen on returning to his best form over the coming weeks. Regarded amongst the club’s most promising prospects, the youngster will be keen on performing to his potential moving forward.
Donny Van De Beek (CAM): Expected to be granted a start on Wednesday, Van De Beek will be keen on performing to his potential moving forward. Despite having shown promising improvement in recent weeks, the midfielder will be looking to make the best of his opportunities over the coming weeks.
Alejandro Garnacho (LW): Having scored crucial goals during his cameos this season, Garnacho will be keen on continuing to deliver notable contributions moving forward. With the youngster expected to only improve his performances, Garnacho will be looking to make the best of his opportunities moving forward.
Anthony Martial (ST): Expected to be gradually integrated into the starting line-up, Martial will be keen on making a contribution against Burnley. With the striker having delivered promising performances when fit, Martial will be looking to make the best of his opportunities over the coming fixtures.
Score Prediction
Manchester United 2-1 Burnley
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