Bournemouth will get yet another chance at redeeming their dismal performances of late when they visit Old Trafford to play Manchester United in the early kick-off this Saturday. The Cherries are on a four-match losing streak that started back in January. Also, their record against the top five teams has not been that great.
Manchester United, on the other hand, come at the back of a hard-fought win in the EFL Cup final against Southampton, who really got the best out of them. They will be brimming with confidence and will be raring for a quick win after Liverpool’s slip up against Leicester City earlier this week closed the gap between United and Liverpool to just one point.
This will be the fourth Premier League meeting between the two sides, where United have won two of their previous fixtures and losing one. A close look at their recent history indicates that Eddie Howe’s men aren’t the favourites even by the slightest of chances going into this fixture.
While United have a 100% home record against Bournemouth, the Cherries have managed to collect just eight points from 13 away games.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Bournemouth Line-Up To Stop Manchester United At Old Trafford
Defence
Artur Boruc is expected to take his place under the bar. The 37-year-old Polish international has never kept a clean sheet against United in his previous four attempts but since goalkeepers have often been seen gaining superhuman abilities at old Trafford of late, he will surely fancy his chances.
The Cherries have conceded 20 goals since the turn of the new year, which is seven more than any other team in this period. Since Chelsea have robbed Nathan Ake from their backline, it has looked shaky. Charlie Daniels should take his place on the left flank and Adam Smith on the right defensive flank. The absence of Simon Francis has hugely crippled Bournemouth’s back line.
The central defensive duo is likely to be Tyrone Mings and Steve Cook. The centre-halves looked settled and synchronised in their last game against West Bromwich although they couldn’t prevent the defeat. And they would expect their coordination to work this time.
Midfield
The double pivots are likely to be taken by Harry Surman and Andrew Surman. Although Dan Gosling’s partnership with Arter has brought positive results for the side before, Howe has opted to start the English midfielder from the bench of late.
Jack Wilshere will take his number 10 role once again. Although the Arsenal loanee has managed only two assists in 23 outings, his movements greatly influence Bournemouth’s attack.
Attack
Marc Pugh is expected to start from the left wing and Ryan Fraser should start on the right wing. The attack is likely to be spearheaded by Joshua King. The forward got a goal in the last game and should be hungry for more.
