Bruno Fernandes has been sensational for Manchester United lately, playing well when many others have been poor. On Wednesday, he single-handedly turned the match around with two goals and an assist in the second half. His thunderbolt in the 81st minute epitomized his quality as the ttacking midfielder put in yet another top captain’s performance. It gets even more impressive knowing that he dominated through the pain of a broken hand. Will he make the difference against relegation-threatened Burnley?

Historical Highlight

On January 16, 2010, Manchester United hosted 15th-place Burnley. The away side kept United at bay until the 64th minute when Dimitar Berbatov broke the deadlock from a tight angle. United doubled the lead five minutes later as Wayne Rooney collected the ball and finished after a save. The final goal for the Reds came from substitute Mame Biram Diouf, who got in behind the Burnley back line and headed the ball over the keeper’s head. This was his first and only goal for United.

Current Form

Manchester United finally broke a streak of winless matches in the Premier League with the win over Sheffield United. It wasn’t pretty, but the attack, led by Bruno Fernandes, found the back of the net four times. Rasmus Hojlund will look to start another goal-scoring streak after grabbing one late from a Fernandes assist. The back line is still a worrying area for United, and will need to step up as the season comes to a close.

Burnley have only lost once in April and thrashed Sheffield United 4-1 before Manchester United beat them this week. They have also taken points off of Chelsea, Wolves, and Brighton in recent matches. Burnley is fighting for survival and will certainly not be a pushover for an inconsistent United team.

Team News

Scott McTominay played a part in the win over Sheffield United despite reports of a knock picked up against Coventry City. Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount, and Willy Kambwala remain doubts to feature against Burnley, though they will have a chance to return next time out.

Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, and Victor Lindelof will remain out at least through the end of the month with their longer-term injuries. Anthony Martial and Tyrell Malacia are also out and likely won’t feature again this season.

Burnley will be without Ameen Al-Dakhil, Jordan Beyer, Aaron Ramsey, and Nathan Redmond. Luca Koleosho is a doubt to return from his long-term injury, though he may play again before the end of the season.

Predicted Starting XI

Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Casemiro, Diogo Dalot
Midfielders: Scott McTominay, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes
Attackers: Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmjus Hojlund, Amad Diallo

Match Prediction

Manchester United will outscore Burnley in a 3-2 win at Old Trafford. United will go up 2-0 in the first half through Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho. The away side will hit back just after half before a second goal from Fernandes restores the two-goal lead. Burnley will grab a second goal late to lead to a nervous ending, but Manchester United will hold on to secure a second straight Premier League win.

One Bold Prediction

Harry Amass will be the second U18 tar to make his debut in as many games. Ethan Wheatley made his first team debut late against Sheffield United, and his full-back teammate will become Manchester United’s 251st Academy graduate to feature for the main team. Amass will come in to spell Wan-Bissaka late in the match, and Dalot will shift to his natural right side to finish out the win.

Drop your score predictions and lineups in the comments!