Saturday 20 January 2018 13:52, UK
Manchester United are aiming for a fifth clean sheet in a row in all competitions when they visit Burnley on Saturday - but their ranks will not be bolstered by Alexis Sanchez.
Jose Mourinho has confirmed talks continue with Arsenal over a deal that would see Sanchez arrive at Old Trafford and Henrikh Mkhitaryan move to the Emirates but a Friday lunchtime registration deadline has passed, meaning neither player would be eligible should the switch be sealed before kick-off.
Insisting his focus was on the trip to Turf Moor, Mourinho said: "It is not done - not done at all. So, in this moment, Mkhitaryan is our player and Sanchez is an Arsenal player.
"With a match tomorrow, I want to switch off and focus on the most important thing."
Although the possibility of catching Manchester City looks slim, 22 years ago United were 12 points behind league leaders Newcastle after both sides had played 23 games, before going on to win the league in May.
Burnley are without a win in six Premier League games - their worst run of the season - but Sean Dyche is hoping to mark his 100th Premier League game with a victory over the visiting heavyweights.
"Winning in the Premier League is a marvellous thing, because it's not easy to do," Dyche said. "And if you win games against the super-power clubs then, of course, it's a feather in the cap of the club."
Scott Arfield could return to Burnley's starting line-up for Saturday's clash.
Arfield's return would be a major boost to Dyche, who will be without striker Jon Walters for up to eight weeks after the 34-year-old underwent knee surgery.
Defender Stephen Ward (knee) and striker Chris Wood (leg) are both making good progress but will not be in contention this weekend, while Tom Heaton (shoulder) and Robbie Brady (knee) remain long-term absentees.
Mkhitaryan has been left out of United's squad for the second straight game while negotiations continue with Arsenal.
Ashley Young is back from suspension, though Luke Shaw looks set to retain his place at left-back.
Daley Blind is doubtful along with Eric Bailly (ankle) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (knee).
Burnley have won one of their last 24 matches against Manchester United in all competitions (D10 L13), a 1-0 win in the Premier League in August 2009.
Only Southampton (10) are on a longer winless run in the Premier League than Burnley (6). years ago today (20th Jan), Manchester United were 12 points behind league leaders Newcastle after both sides had played 23 games, before going on to win the league in May. They currently sit 12 points behind leaders Manchester City after 23 Premier League games.
United are unbeaten in their last five away Premier League games (W4 D1), scoring at least twice every time. It's their longest run of scoring at least twice in consecutive Premier League away games since a run of six between October and December 2013.
This will be Sean Dyche's 100th Premier League game in charge - the last three managers whose 100th game in the competition came against Manchester United have all won (Mick McCarthy with Wolves in Feb 2011, Roy Hodgson with Fulham in March 2009 and Steve McClaren with Middlesbrough in Feb 2004).
Dyche has only faced Mauricio Pochettino (6) more often in the Premier League without winning than he has against Jose Mourinho (5).
Paul Pogba has provided nine assists in just 13 Premier League games this season; no player has recorded more than the Frenchman, with four of these assists coming in his last two appearances.
In fact, Pogba has been directly involved in 14 goals in his last 14 Premier League games (4 goals, 10 assists).
I think Burnley have hit a bit of a brick wall. They've had some hard fixtures of late, and have been a tad unlucky. I think Sean Dyche said the defeat at Palace was an even game, I don't think it was that even. Palace had better chances than Burnley in the game.
I think Man Utd are just solid. I just think they won't allow Burnley anything, they're very hard to beat. They'll be Mourinho efficient.
PAUL PREDICTS: 0-2 (5/1 with Sky Bet)
