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Manchester United vs. Burnley Prediction and Odds (Expect Few Goals at Old Trafford)

By Ben Heisler

The Reds host their final Premier League match of 2021 tonight against Burnley from Old Trafford.
The Reds host their final Premier League match of 2021 tonight against Burnley from Old Trafford. / Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
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Manchester United hosts their final match of the calendar year tonight when they welcome Burnley to Old Trafford.

The Reds sit in 7th place in the latest Premier League tables, but they have yet to lose over their last seven matches. The Clarets, despite sitting all the way in 18th, have just one loss over their last five, with four draws along the way.

Can the Red Devils continue their winning ways and grab three points to move them into a tie with West Ham for fifth? Or will Burnley play slow and go for another draw to earn a tough point on the road?

Here are the latest odds over at WynnBET Sportsbook:

Manchester United vs. Burnley Match Odds

  • Burnley: +800
  • Manchester United: -265
  • Draw: +400
  • Total Goals: Over 2.5 (-150) | Under (+120)

Manchester United vs. Burnley Prediction and Pick

Initially, with Burnley finding all sorts of ways to pull out draws as of late, I was tempted to leap on the +400 odds and hope that they found another way on the road.

However, after taking a closer look, there's simply too much firepower from the Reds for the Clarets to keep up.

Burnley doesn't score. They rank second to last in the Premier League in goals scored with just 14 on the season. Part of the reason they draw so many matches is due to an excellent defense that ranks 7th best in the league in goals allowed.

Scoring hasn't been the Red Devils' primary issue this season, as they rank top-7 in goals scored. It's their defense that's been most problematic. Since interim manager Ralf Rangnick took over, via Action Network, they've gone from allowing 1.6 expected goals/game to just over 1 (1.08).

The Reds will also be without Bruno Fernandes (suspension - 5th yellow card), Victor Lindeolof (positive COVID-19 test) and Paul Pogba (thigh) in today's matchup as well.

Between Burnley's inability to pick up consistent goals, along with an improved defensive effort for Manchester United, I'll side with the under with plus-odds.

PICK: UNDER 2.5 TOTAL GOALS (+120)

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