Bournemouth v Man Utd – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Bournemouth face Man Utd in the English Premier League on Saturday. The Cherries won 3-0 in the reverse fixture. Bournemouth are only eight points behind United and both these sides have scored the same number of league goals.

Bournemouth Form

After they ran six wins in seven matches at the end of 2023, a tough run followed for Bournemouth. They went on a seven-match winless run in the league with four losses and three draws. They’ve shown their mettle in recent weeks with 13 points from six EPL matches.

A 2-0 win at Burnley preceded a surprise 2-2 home draw vs Sheffield United. They strung together three league wins after, firstly coming from 3-0 down to beat Luton Town 4-3 at home. Two late goals brought wins at home to Everton (2-1) and Crystal Palace (1-0). Their last match saw a last-minute goal leaked to lose 2-1 at Luton.

Bournemouth Team News

Coach Andoni Iraola is without Ryan Fredericks in defence and Chris Mepham is doubtful at the back. Tyler Adams is doubtful due to back spasms and Antoine Semenyo is another doubt down the flank.

Marcus Tavernier will play no part after a hamstring complaint and fellow winger Luis Sinisterra is ruled out too. Philip Billing and Dango Ouattara are pushing to start if Semenyo is ruled out.

Bournemouth Motivation

There may not technically be much to play for, but the Cherries have looked focused in recent weeks.

This is a free-hit and they will enjoy the time and space afforded to them by Man Utd. Iraola’s side will play for the win.

Man Utd Form

United are not in great form at all. Their last six matches in the Premier League have only seen one win with three defeats and two draws. They lost 2-1 at home to Fulham before a 1-0 FA Cup win at Nottingham Forest. A 3-1 mauling at Man City saw 3.33 Expected Goals allowed. Two penalties brought their lone victory in the last six EPL games, a 2-0 home win over Everton.

United produced a surprise 4-3 home win in extra time over Liverpool in the FA Cup but a 1-1 draw followed at Brentford with the Bees having an astounding 31 shots. Two injury-time goals then saw a 4-3 loss at Chelsea before a 2-2 home draw vs Liverpool last weekend. They allowed 28 shots and were outshot 15-0 in the first half in that fortunate draw.

Man Utd Team News

Man Utd could again be without six defenders. Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are injured at left back whilst Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof are absent in central defence.

Both Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans remain in serious doubt so Willy Kambwala could again partner Harry Maguire. Marcus Rashford isn’t in great form so Antony may be considered as an option to replace him.

Man Utd Motivation

United’s top four hopes are gone in reality. They need to refocus themselves to secure the sixth spot.

They won’t care about the style of play, but Ten Hag’s side is not equipped to play a compact game. Expect lots of shots for both sides with transition attacks galore.

Key Stats

Bournemouth have won 4 of their last 6 league matches.

Bournemouth have won 2 of their last 5 matches vs Man Utd, including 3-0 in December.

Man Utd have lost 3 of their last 6 EPL matches.

Man Utd have allowed 278 shots in their last 12 matches (23.16 per match)

Man Utd’s Rasmus Hojlund has scored 7 goals in his last 9 EPL matches

Verdict

This is backed to be an open match with plenty of goals. Bournemouth have every chance of taking one or more points vs this leaky Man Utd back four.

Best Bet: Over 3.5 goals at 2.00

Value Bet: Bournemouth Win at 2.40

Goalscorer Tip: Solanke and Hojlund to both score anytime at 5.89

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis