Manchester United vs Burnley
Man Utd are flying under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The interim boss and fan favourite has overseen eight wins out of eight since taking charge last month and will now have his sights firmly set on nine.
As they prepare to welcome Burnley to Old Trafford for this Premier League encounter, however, they will be minded about the Clarets’ liking for the big occasion.
Talking Points
Some SBOBET statisticians will tell you that Burnley were involved in a little bit of Premier League history when they visited United two seasons ago.
On that occasion, the hosts had a then-record 37 attempts on goal but could not beat former United goalkeeper Tom Heaton as the visitors held out for a goalless draw under something of a siege.
Fast forward 14 months, and the hosts needed an injury-time equaliser from Jesse Lingard to salvage a point during what was a miserable Christmas spell for the Red Devils.
Miserable is not a word you can associate with any part of Solskjaer’s first six weeks at the helm.
And after a fine victory at Arsenal in the FA Cup, the hosts will come into this game full of confidence.
The Premier League 2019 betting odds have long stopped backing United as title contenders.
In fact, they have not even been considered since late September.
But the return to form in recent weeks has provided some of the early Premier League 2019 highlights, and a top-four berth is suddenly within their sights as a genuine target.
Likewise, after a chastening autumn, Sean Dyche is leading his Lancastrian troops back to signs of form which saw them claim an incredible seventh-place finish last term.
They have recovered admirably ever since a home humbling at the hands of Everton on Boxing Day, winning three and drawing one of their last four league games to climb out of the drop zone and three points clear of danger.
Those three wins account for half of their six league triumphs to date this season which shows how much they were needed.
In the week in which a new book has been promoted about the life and times of the club’s former legendary and powerhouse chairman Bob Lord, Dyche must wonder what Lord would have made of the club’s great renaissance over the last few years, were he still alive.
The current boss is hoping to add to his squad by the time Thursday’s transfer deadline passes, but it’s unlikely there’ll be any surprises in his line-up nor new arrivals for this encounter.
Dyche knows he needs to strengthen yet can’t afford to be complacent. He can’t, given Burnley’s financial realities, spearheaded by an astute business model, and also minded that the team will finish the season with league games against Chelsea, Man City, Everton and Arsenal.
Recent history tells you Man Utd will be minded not to be complacent against Burnley either.
History
United won the early season clash at Turf Moor.
At a time when the pressure was mounting after two defeats in their first three games, a Romelu Lukaku double sealed a 2-0 success against a Burnley team jaded by Europa League exertions.
Last season, the sides met twice in a month.
The Old Trafford clashed ended 2-2 as mentioned above, while an Anthony Martial special sealed a hard-fought 1-0 success at Turf Moor.
The season before also saw Martial on the scoresheet in a 2-0 United win after that goalless draw earlier in the campaign.
You have to go back to early 2015 for the last time United defeated Burnley on home soil.
That 3-1 win was secured by a rare Chris Smalling double and a Robin van Persie penalty after Danny Ings had found the net for Burnley who were unfortunate to be beaten on the night.
Betting Tip
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Manchester United vs Burnley | Total Goal 2-3 @ 2.14 |
| January 30 04:00 (GMT+8) |
There’s no surprise that United are firm favourites.
The 1X2 bet has them priced @ 1.26 with Burnley @ 14.00 and the draw @ 4.90.
Asian Handicap odds reflect that status too with United -1.75 @ 2.00 and Burnley +1.50 @ 2.19.
The attacking success of United under Solskjaer is shown in that over 3.25 goals will only pay @ 2.14 and total goal 0-1 is offered @ 5.20.
A repeat of the 2-0 scoreline in United’s favour comes out @ 6.40.
Burnley were well-beaten at Manchester City in the FA Cup on Saturday and rested some players, presumably with this league fixture in mind.
It’s hard to see past a United win, but this may not be as straightforward as some think.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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