Burnley play host to Manchester United on Sunday afternoon still searching for their first victory of the new Premier League season, as well as looking to overcome the disappointment of failing to qualify for the group stages of the Europa League.
United have put together their worst start to a domestic campaign since 1992, and manager Jose Mourinho is under pressure to register another three points before the international break.
Burnley
© Reuters
Burnley went into the new domestic campaign full of optimism having built up some form during competitive matches in Europe, but the last two weeks have highlighted how difficult it will be for Sean Dyche's team to consolidate last season's efforts.
The disappointment felt from failing to achieve a win against either Southampton, Watford or Fulham in the top flight spilled over into the second leg with Olympiacos in Europe where the Clarets failed to take their chances against the Greek giants.
Dyche has claimed that both himself and his players will learn from their failure to make it through to the main draw of European football's secondary competition, but the setback has the potential to linger and it is something which Dyche should be conscious of at this stage of the season.
A high-profile clash against a team the size of United may just be what Burnley need to re-energise a fanbase that has already experienced plenty of highs and lows over a short period, and Burnley showed last year that they are not overawed when it comes to facing one of their nearest rivals.
Burnley took a two-goal lead at Old Trafford and although they failed to see out the clash at the Theatre of Dreams, it was again an indication of their progress over a short space of time and was part of the process which ensured that the team did not look out of place playing on the European stage.
Nevertheless, there now needs to be an understanding of what would be considered a successful season. Burnley are up against it to replicate their seventh-place finish of the most recent campaign, especially when taking into consideration the level of investment which has taken place elsewhere.
Dyche will not want to aim too low at a time when September and the start of October presents several opportunities to get points on the board in winnable matches, but there will need to be an acknowledgement that a mid-table finish should arguably be regarded as a realistic target.
That said, Dyche's short-term aim should be finding a solution to his side's problems in defence, with 11 goals being conceded in the last four matches, a statistic which will only encourage an out-of-form United.
Recent form: DLL
Recent form (all competitions): DWLLLD
Manchester United
© Reuters
Life at Manchester United over the past few days has been dominated by the histrionics of Jose Mourinho, and the Portuguese's behaviour has arguably taken some of the attention away from his misfiring side.
However, that will not be the case when United take to the pitch at Turf Moor as the club's supporters demand that a third successive defeat in the Premier League is avoided at all costs.
United will only be competing in their fourth game of the season but despite the campaign still being in its infancy, another setback may already leave the club with too much to do in terms of the title race.
The strength of Manchester City and Liverpool suggests that no team at English football's top table can afford to lose more than five or six games at most, and United will not end their wait for another top-flight crown if Burnley prevail on Sunday afternoon.
That is the reality of life in a division which is continuing to evolve by the year, and United simply did not do enough in the transfer market over the summer to be able to give their nearest rivals such a head start.
United do possess a fixture list which is heavily in their favour, however, and Mourinho and his squad are favourites - on paper at least - to win their next five games to put themselves back into contention ahead of the trip to Chelsea on October 20.
That, in theory, is a perfect scenario for Mourinho to get everyone back on side both at Carrington and in the media, and there is an opportunity for the self-proclaimed "Special One" to provide more justification for that very tag.
However, there is no getting away from the fact that this is a crunch time for Mourinho and if United, are not back in the top six after their next five fixtures, the powers that be at the club may decide on another third-season exit for their current boss.
Recent form: DLL
Team News
© Reuters
Mourinho must decide whether to persist with the formation used against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night, with three being used at the back.
Victor Lindelof could replace the injured Phil Jones, while alterations are expected in attack with Alexis Sanchez and Marcus Rashford both in contention for a recall.
Mourinho may also take the opportunity to firm up his midfield with the selection of Marouane Fellaini, who is yet to start a game this season.
Burnley will be without Johann Berg Gudmundsson due to a hamstring problem, and Dyche must decide whether to use youngster Dwight McNeil from the start.
Ashley Barnes is expected to come back into the attack to take his place behind Chris Wood, who should remain in the team ahead of Sam Vokes.
Ben Gibson may start after missing the fixture with Olympiacos due to suspension.
Burnley possible starting lineup:
Hart; Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Ward; Lennon, Westwood, Cork, Hendrick; Barnes; Wood
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Lindelof, Herrera, Smalling; Valencia, Matic, Fellaini, Pogba, Shaw; Sanchez, Lukaku
Head To Head
Sunday's encounter will represent the 127th time in which these two clubs have met in a competitive game, with United recording 60 wins in comparison to 44 victories for Burnley.
Burnley won the first match between the sides after their initial return to the top flight in 2009, but United are unbeaten in the last seven contests.
The Clarets have failed to score in any of their last three home games with United.
We say: Burnley 1-2 Manchester United
Both teams go into this game on the back of some poor results, and experience could prove key at Turf Moor. Some of United's main men are due a performance and with the stakes getting higher, they could deliver this weekend.
Darren Plant
