Premier League, round 27

Manchester United vs Bournemouth – Match preview, team news & predicted lineups

Manchester United could climb into the top four for a few hours when they welcome Bournemouth in Saturday's early Premier League kickoff.

By admin

Jose Mourinho and his men return to Premier League duties after winning the EFL Cup on Saturday when they host Bournemouth in the opening game of the MD27.

The sixth-placed Manchester United are in a not that bad situation as they have one game less and five points less than second-placed Tottenham.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic definitely silenced his critics as he won his first piece of silverware at Old Trafford. The Swedish superstar scored first and last goal of the game. Southampton bounced back after being 2-0 down in the first half and when everything seemed like where in for another EFL Cup final penalty shoot-out, Ibrahimovic headed home Herrera’s cross.

It was his 26th goal of the season and ninth in 2017, just one fewer than the entire Bournemouth squad.

On the other side, Bournemouth are in a terrible place right now. The Cherries are win-less seven straight Premier League games, recording two draws and five defeats. They’ve also been knocked out of the FA Cup by League One side, Millwall FC so anything but Manchester United’s victory in this match-up would be a big surprise.

Not that long ago the Cherries were in the top half of the table, but that black streak lowered them in the 14th place with just four points more than 18th-placed Crystal Palace.

Head to Head

Match Facts

  • This will be the fourth Premier League meeting between the sides, with United winning two of the previous three (L1).
  • Manchester United have a 100% home win record against Bournemouth in all competitions, winning all five of their previous games against the Cherries at Old Trafford, scoring 15 goals while conceding just once.
  • Bournemouth goalkeeper Artur Boruc has never kept a clean sheet against Man Utd at Old Trafford in four previous attempts (two with Southampton, two with Celtic), conceding nine goals.
  • Manchester United are unbeaten in their last 16 league matches since losing to Chelsea in October (W9 D7 L0) – the longest unbeaten run seen in the Premier League this season.
  • The Cherries have won the fewest points in the Premier League in 2017 (2), while also conceding 20 goals; seven more than any other team in this period.

Team News 

Phil Jones returned to training after foot injury, but will probably start from the bench as well as Henrikh Mkhitaryan who has hamstring issues.

Team News 

Eddie Howe has no fresh injury concerns but still can’t count on long-term absentees Callum Wilson, Adam Federici and Simon Francis, while Jordan Ibe remains doubtful.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester United: De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Smalling, Blind; Herrera, Pogba; Lingard, Mata, Martial; Ibrahimovic.

Bournemouth: Boruc; Smith, Mings, Cook, Daniels; Surman, Arter; Fraser, Wilshere, Pugh; King.

Date: 04 March 2017
Time: 13:30 CET
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
Referee: Kevin Friend