Verdict: Over 3.5 goals scored – yes
Best Odds: 13/10
Bookmaker: 888sport
Manchester United are clearly on the rise following the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Red Devils have won their last two Premier League matches following the Norwegian’s arrival, and suddenly look like a team that could make a serious Top 4 challenge. In an effort to continue their potential rise on the standings, Solskjaer’s men will take on Bournemouth this Sunday with the idea to end 2018 on a strong note. The match will kick-off at 16:30 BST.
Manchester United
The Red Devils’ season has been extremely inconsistent and they have underperformed during most of the campaign. However, they seem to be playing better and better of late. Perhaps the managerial change was the only thing they needed, as Solskjaer has already registered 5-1 and 3-1 wins, albeit against some of the worst teams in the competition such as Cardiff City and Huddersfield town, respectively. Despite having some key players out due to injury, Manchester United have been trending in the right direction and their attack is doing wonders. Even highly-criticised players such as Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial have improved considerably since Solskjaer’s arrival. But even with these positive signs going their way, the team remains in sixth place with only 32 points. Although if Arsenal lose to Liverpool, then they could get quite closer to reach a potential Top 5 spot. Plus, United have lost just one of their previous five league matches (W3, D1, L1).
Team News
Manchester United have ruled out Marcos Rojo and Chris Smalling out of this game, both due to injury. Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez are not expected to be fit, either.
Scott McTominay is questionable due to a knee injury. However, his chances of playing are quite slim.
Bournemouth
The best way to describe Bournemouth’s season so far would be “inconsistent”. The Cherries have had an indifferent campaign so far, but their recent results have not been very good. Eddie Howe’s men are coming off a disappointing 5-0 loss to Tottenham on Boxing Day, but they registered a 2-0 win over Brighton in the tilt prior to that one. The team has won just two of their previous five league matches during the current term (W2, L3) and their season record reads: W8, D2, L9. The two draws are a tally only bettered by Manchester City and Tottenham, while their nine defeats are the highest mark between teams located in the first 13 positions of the standings. There’s no question the team needs to play better in coming weeks, but a trip to Old Trafford might not be the best scenario to turn their season around. Especially considering their away record during the 2018-19 season reads: W3, L6, with only 11 goals scored and 19 conceded.
Team News
The Cherries won’t have four players available for this game at Old Trafford.
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.
Key Factors to Consider
- Manchester United have taken 10 points of their last 15 available (W3, D1, L1) in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Bournemouth have lost three of their past four Premier League matches (W2, L3).
- The Red Devils have won five of their previous seven EPL matches against Bournemouth (W5, D1, L1). They won their prior meeting this season by a 2-1 score away from home.
- Manchester United are undefeated in their past three Old Trafford meetings against The Cherries (W2, D1).
- Bournemouth’s tally of nine defeats is the worst in the Premier League between teams ranked 1st to 13rd in the standings.
- Manchester United and Bournemouth lead the league in games with more than 2.5 goals scored, with 16 and 14, respectively.
Conclusion
16 of Manchester United’s 19 games this season have seen over 2.5 goals, and the past two under Solskjaer’s tutelage have seen at least four goals scored. I believe that will continue in this game as well.
Verdict: Over 3.5 goals scored – yes
Best Odds: 13/10
Bookmaker: 888sport
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