Manchester United will hit the road following their impressive win over Everton the last time out. The aim is clear: The Red Devils want to clinch a second-consecutive Premier League win for the first time since September. But it is not going to be as easy as it might look on paper.
Following a 2-2 draw at Chelsea and a 1-0 loss to Juventus in Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League, The Red Devils bounced back with a 2-1 win over Everton this past weekend. But now The Red Devils will travel to Bournemouth to take on a Cherries side that has been one of the most surprising teams in the EPL during the current term. Can Manchester United earn some much-needed back-to-back wins at the league level?
Read on to find out everything you need to know prior to Saturday’s contest:
Team News
Manchester United have improved their fitness dramatically over the past few days, and Jose Mourinho called this week “a very good one”. As such, the Portuguese tactician confirmed both Alexis Sanchez and Jesse Lingard are 100% ready to feature. Lingard’s case is quite interesting, because having him back could give United’s attack a whole new dimension. The England international haven’t been available since the Carabao Cup match against Derby County. Marouane Fellaini, Diogo Dalot and Antonio Valencia remain out, as well as Marcos Rojo.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth won’t have former Manchester United striker Joshua King due to an ankle injury; the Norway international is now slated to miss his third consecutive game. Manager Eddie Howe also said captain Simon Francis is doubtful, but “we’re confident he will make the game”. His availability will be something to monitor closer to kick-off time.
Form guide
Manchester United left a two-game winless run across all competitions in the rear view with their 2-1 win over Everton. But if we look things a bit broader, we can see The Red Devils own a W2, D2, L1 in their previous five matches. If we only consider the Premier League matches, then their form also reads W2, D2, L1. Can they leave their inconsistencies behind to earn consecutive wins at the league level for the first time since September?
On the other hand, Bournemouth have been one of the most surprising teams in the EPL thus far. The Cherries have started the campaign on an impressive note. They currently sit sixth in the Premier League standings thanks to a W6, D2, L2 record. Bournemouth’s only two defeats have come against Chelsea and Burnley, and it is worth noting that they’re also undefeated at home this season.
What is our all-time record against Bournemouth?
Historically, Manchester United have an impressive record against The Cherries, thanks to nine wins, three draws and just two defeats in 14 matches across all competitions. If we only consider games in the Premier League era, then the record is even better since United have won four of the six encounters between the two teams.
Eddie Howe’s side won their first Premier League clash with United, 2-1 back in 2015, but the Reds are unbeaten in five subsequent meetings (W4, D1) including the last two on Bournemouth’s home venue.
Prediction
Undoubtedly, this is going to be a tough game for Manchester United. Especially if we consider Bournemouth are above them in the standings while going undefeated at home during the current term. But The Red Devils have been on the rise of late. Expect them to secure the three points to move level with their rivals into sixth place in the EPL table.
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