Predicted Manchester United line-up v Burnley

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It’s finally here. A day which feels like Christmas coming early, Manchester United are back in action tonight.

After an extended break for the World Cup, United’s season resumes with the Carabao Cup fourth round against Burnley.

It won’t be easy against the Championship leaders, who are led by manager Vincent Kompany. United have home advantage and must win.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are already eliminated from the Carabao Cup, while Liverpool and City face off against each other this week.

This is a winnable trophy, one step at a time. United must get the job done tonight, with 25 available players to choose from.

United squad for Burnley

United’s official website released the 25-man squad available for the game. Diogo Dalot is also at Carrington, training individually after injury.

Goalkeepers: De Gea, Dubravka, Bishop, Heaton, Vitek

Defenders: Maguire, Shaw, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Williams, Malacia, Bennett

Midfielders: Van de Beek, Iqbal, Eriksen, McTominay, Fred, Casemiro, Fernandes

Forwards: Martial, Elanga, Pellistri, Rashford, Garnacho, Antony

Predicted Manchester United XI

Five goalkeepers took part in training, but realistically, the choice is between two. Martin Dubravka started the third round against Aston Villa. However, David de Gea could get the nod here.

United need De Gea to be sharp for the return of the Premier League, while Dubravka disappointed in his friendly against Cadiz.

In front of De Gea, United have a couple of decisions to make in defence, where the team is short of options.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka will make his first start of the season at right-back, with Victor Lindelof a certainty to start at centre-back.

A lack of options will see United bring Harry Maguire back to action immediately alongside him.

At left-back, Brandon Williams did not really seize his chance in the winter friendlies. Tyrell Malacia should get the nod, he will be fresh after sitting out all of the Netherlands’ World Cup games.

Midfield is interesting, as United have Casemiro, Fred, and Bruno Fernandes just returned. Expect them to be on the bench.

Scott McTominay is locked in as a starter, and Christian Eriksen could feature too, after returning from the World Cup a week earlier than the quarter-finalists.

Then we could see Zidane Iqbal get the nod ahead of Donny van de Beek. The 19-year-old impressed in the winter friendlies, while the Dutchman missed one through injury.

With McTominay and Eriksen alongside him, Iqbal will be fine. It is good for United to have options here, more so than defence.

In attack, Anthony Martial and Alejandro Garnacho are certain to start. Then it is less certain who gets the third spot.

Anthony Elanga probably will. He started both games in Spain, the trouble is, he didn’t break his goal drought. Erik ten Hag at least knows he is fully fit and will work the Burnley defence hard, with Marcus Rashford or Antony able to come on as a substitute if and when required.