Premier League: Can Red Devils Pick Off the Cherries?

Bournemouth vs Manchester United

Well, there’s a question for you, and it depends to some degree on which Manchester United team turns up at Dean Court for the Saturday teatime kick-off. 

Erik ten Hag has challenged his team to step up in performance and results in the run-in, and Manchester United drew 2-2 with title hopefuls Liverpool last week, while Iraola Andoni’s Cherries went down to a 2-1 defeat away to Luton Town.

In years gone by, the Premier League fixture between Bournemouth and Manchester United was a “David vs Goliath” affair with the Red Devils lording it over the new boys of the top-flight.

But right now, with just seven games left to play this season, only eight points separate Bournemouth in 12^th place from Manchester United in sixth.

The Cherries are targeting a top 10 finish which is just two points away, whereas European qualification is the minimum requirement for the Red Devils.       

Talking Points

Tavernier out for Cherries

The Cherries’ defeat away to struggling Luton Town followed a run of three consecutive home wins over Luton, Everton, and Crystal Palace.

And in a further blow for Bournemouth, they lost a key man, probably for the rest of the campaign. Marcus Tavernier is the Cherries’ top assist maker, and the attacking midfielder scored Bournemouth’s goal against the Hatters.

But just seven minutes later, he left the pitch clutching his thigh. Luton went on to score two late goals, while Tavernier headed to the physio room, and the club later confirmed he had suffered another hamstring injury. This is the third time Tavernier has been sidelined with the same problem over the past two seasons.  

The 25-year-old England U20 star has linked up well with the resurgent Dominic Solanke, who is having his best top-flight season, scoring 16 goals, and Solanke has been linked with his old boss Eddie Howe, now in charge at Newcastle United.

Solanke is the fourth-highest goal scorer in the Premier League, alongside Chelsea star Cole Palmer and only three behind Manchester City’s goal machine Erling Haaland. The Cherries have valued their player at £50 million and will listen to offers in the summer. In the meantime, Solanke is ready to have a go at the Red Devils, who he has already tormented once this season.  

Can United find their consistency in time?

The Red Devils are hoping to finish strongly and guarantee European football again for their fans, but they are in sixth place, 22 points behind the leaders and 11 behind Aston Villa in fifth.

In all likelihood, it’s going to be Europa League football for United next season, and the reason is a total lack of consistent Premier League 2024 results this term.

Okay, Erik ten Hag has suffered some key injuries, notably in defence, but so have the club’s rivals, and some United players have blown hot and cold.

Striker Rasmus Hojlund struggled for goals in the first half of the campaign, but then had a purple patch before drying up again in recent weeks.

Marcus Rashford has also had little impact far too often and, in any case, the England man is doubtful for this game after taking a knock during the draw with Liverpool. That may see Antony step in, and he’s another player who needs a good game.

Captain Bruno Fernandes has performed consistently well, but he will have a heavier load in midfield as Scott McTominay looks set to miss out with a new injury. Kobbie Mainoo has made a great start to his Old Trafford career, but Erik ten Hag will be careful to manage the expectations on the 18-year-old. 

All these issues have been reflected in wildly fluctuating results with a stunning 4-3 FA Cup win over Liverpool followed by a draw with Brentford and a loss to Chelsea, and Erik ten Hag desperately needs to see some stability starting on Saturday.          

History

Manchester United have won nine of the 13 encounters with Bournemouth, while the Cherries have picked up three victories, and there has been a solitary draw.

Though the head-to-heads have been a little once sided, one of the Cherries’ three victories came only four months ago when Dominic Solanke gave the Red Devils’ defence the run around throughout the afternoon, scoring the opener.

With four wins, one draw. and one defeat from their last six games. Bournemouth are arguably in better shape than Manchester United who have won two, drawn two. and lost two in that time.

And the Cherries have won their last three games at Dean Court. 

Betting Tip

The Premier League 2024 betting odds can hardly split these two teams, but the Cherries are slight favourites at SBOTOP odds of 2.31, while the Red Devils are not far behind at 2.54, and the draw is at 3.63.

I’m sure we’re going to see an entertaining game, possibly error-strewn, and I’m sticking my neck out on a 2-2 draw.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.