Prediction: Manchester United vs Bournemouth

Verdict: Manchester United win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Looking to make it back-to-back Premier League victories on Saturday afternoon, Manchester United will welcome Bournemouth to Old Trafford.

Manchester United

Starting with the hosts, while Manchester United might be at the centre of a public media storm, Erik ten Hag’s side certainly gained a welcomed boost in midweek. Putting in an eye-catching performance as they secured a 2-1 victory against historic rivals Chelsea, the former Ajax boss will be desperate to use that display as a platform to build on. Despite needing a real miracle if their bid to claim a crucial Champions League knockout stage ticket this month, the Reds should feel that they have another potential domestic opportunity here. Marking their return from November’s international break with a 3-0 romp away at relegation scrappers Everton, Manchester United have won four of their previous five Premier League appearances. Currently sat just three points adrift of skyrocketing back into the top-four, ten Hag’s side will be desperate to make another statement at Old Trafford.

Team News

Still dealing with a stacked injury list, Manchester United will once again be without the likes of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia this weekend. Likewise, expected to leave Old Trafford during the January transfer window, England international Jadon Sancho will not feature here.

While Rasmus Hojlund might still be waiting to open his Premier League account, the 20-year-old should once again spearhead ten Hag’s charge on Saturday afternoon. Marcus Rashford will be hoping for a full recall after being demoted to the bench against Chelsea in midweek.

Bournemouth

As for the visitors, while Bournemouth might have found themselves at the heart of a real crisis when opening up the 2023/24 campaign, the Cherries have come roaring back in some style. Only continuing to shine on either side of November’s international break, Andoni Iraola’s men should find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Putting in a stellar display away at Crystal Palace earlier in the week as they secured a 2-0 victory, the former Rayo Vallecano boss should be relishing a trip to Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon. Despite suffering last-gasp heartbreak at home against Aston Villa last weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 2-2 stalemate, Bournemouth have collected 10 points from their previous four Premier League appearances. With their recent purple patch highlighted by a stunning 2-0 win against Newcastle on November 11th, the Cherries have also found a major clinical edge in the final third.

Team News

Sustaining a muscle injury against Sheffield United last month, Bournemouth will once again be without skipper Lloyd Kelly this weekend. Likewise, all still dealing with respective long-term issues, the Cherries will also be unable to call upon the likes of Max Aarons, Ryan Fredricks and former Leeds midfielder Tyler Adams.

Handed a rest against Crystal Palace earlier in the week, the duo of Philip Billing and Marcus Tavernier could be handed a full recall at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon. Notching seven Premier League strikes this season, one-time Chelsea starlet Dominic Solanke will spearhead Bournemouth’s charge.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Manchester United and Bournemouth last met back on May 20th, the Reds picked up a 1-0 victory at the Vitality.
• Likewise, ten Hag’s side have won seven of their previous eight showdowns against the Cherries.
• However, including a 2-0 win against Crystal Palace earlier in the week, Bournemouth have collected 10 points from their previous four Premier League appearances.
• The Cherries have lost their previous four trips to Old Trafford by an aggregate score of 13-3.
• Grabbing a brace against Chelsea in midweek, Scott McTominay has four goals in his last six appearances for club and country.

Conclusion

Managing to claim a heavyweight response earlier in the week as they landed a 2-1 win against Chelsea, Manchester United will know the importance of using that performance as a platform to build on. Sat just three points adrift of breaking back into the top-four, ten Hag’s men will be excited by a dominant record against Saturday’s guests. Including a 1-0 win when they travelled to the Vitality back on May 20th, United have won seven of their previous eight showdowns against Bournemouth.

Verdict: Manchester United win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Olympusbet