Manchester United are coming back-to-back solid wins over Cardiff and Huddersfield, as the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer era started with the right foot. Following a great Boxing Day performance, The Red Devils are now keen to win their third match in a row. They will host a combative Bournemouth squad that continues to linger around the middle of the Premier League standings. This match will kick-off at 16:30 BST.
Team News
Manchester United won’t have Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo available for this game, meaning the defensive line could end up being somewhat depleted. Alexis Sanchez is on the final stages of his recovery due to a hamstring injury, and he should be available for selection quite soon. Romelu Lukaku remains separated from the squad but he’s expected to return following the festive period. Last but not least, Scott McTominay remains doubtful due to a knee injury, and his chances of playing are quite slim at the moment.
On the other hand, Bournemouth will have four absences for this one. Simon Francis, Adam Smith, Lewis Cook and Dan Gosling have all been ruled out for this fixture. Oddly enough, all of them are out due to knee injuries.
Form guide
Manchester United seem to be turning the season around following a poor start under Jose Mourinho. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has won his first two matches as United’s manager, topping two relegation-threatened sides such as Cardiff (5-1) and Huddersfield (3-1). But despite the solid run of form in recent weeks (W3, D1, L1), The Red Devils remain in sixth place with only 32 points. But they only sit six points away from fifth-placed Arsenal. If Solskjaer’s men can string a few more wins in a row, they shouldn’t be counted out from making a serious Top 4 push. Something that looked extremely unlikely in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth remain quite inconsistent this term, and perhaps that’s why they only sit in 12nd place with 26 points, eight wins, two draws and nine losses. The Cherries are coming off a disappointing 5-0 away defeat against a red-hot Tottenham squad. However, prior to that they were coming off a decent 2-0 win over Brighton. But for what is worth, Bournemouth own a W2, L3 mark in their last five EPL matches; those three losses have come in their past four games. Their road record is quite poor as well, with only three wins in nine matches (W3, L6).
What is our recent record against Bournemouth?
These sides have met seven times in recent history, all of them in the English Premier League. Manchester United have a W5, D1, L1 edge on the H2H record. That includes a 2-1 away win in this season’s past meeting. Plus, The Red Devils are undefeated at home in the Premier League against Bournemouth, with two wins and one draw.
Prediction
Manchester United are on the rise, while Bournemouth are not. Plus, The Red Devils won a respectable W5, D3, L1 mark at home during the current term. This should be enough to have them as big favourites entering this game. Can they deliver in front of their fans once again?
Man U is going to beat 3-1
Man U is going to beat 3-1 or 4-1