Down The Wings

Manchester United Fan Blog

Manchester United vs Bournemouth Match Preview: Kick-off time, TV Channel, Team News and Score Prediction

Manchester United will start the new year by welcoming Bournemouth to Old Trafford as they look to extend their five game winning run in all competitions.

Competition: Premier League
Venue: Old Trafford
Kick Off: 20:00 UK Time
TV Channel: N/A

How do Manchester United Look?

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Since coming back from the World Cup break United have been in fine form picking up three wins from three games. A decent performance from a slightly rotated side helped United see off Burnley with a 2-0 victory in the Carabao Cup as they progress to the quarterfinals where they will face Charlton Athletic.

The Reds’ first game back in the Premier League saw them face Nottingham Forest in what was a comfortable victory where United controlled possession and created a plethora of chances. The match ended 3-0 with goals from Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Fred but the final scoreline could’ve easily been higher.

Erik ten Hag’s side’s most recent game was a trip to the Molineux Stadium that, in typical United vs Wolves fashion, ended with one goal separating the two teams. The goal came from a well worked move between Rashford and Bruno Fernandes that saw the former score off the bench after being dropped by Ten Hag due to lateness to a team meeting.

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World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez is expected to be back in action against Bournemouth after finishing his celebrations in Argentina. Diogo Dalot is said to be making good progress recovering from his hamstring injury, but it may still be too early for him to start against The Cherries. Jadon Sancho has been spotted back at Carrington but won’t be available as he continues to work on individual training.

Opponents: Bournemouth

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Bournemouth have had a tough time since returning from the World Cup break losing all three of their games to Newcastle, Chelsea and Crystal Palace without scoring a goal. The Cherries find themselves sitting in 15th in the Premier League just two points above the relegation zone. It will be a difficult match for the visitors, especially with their key midfielder and joint top scorer Phillip Billing out with an injury.

Bournemouth still have players that can hurt United with target man Kieffer Moore who will look to use his size to bring down the ball and distribute it to other attackers. Ex-Chelsea and Liverpool man Dominic Solanke will likely be their most dangerous player. The striker has managed to put up respectable numbers in a struggling side this season, netting three goals and also providing three assists.

Key Stats

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Manchester United have not conceded a goal since coming back from the World Cup.

Bournemouth have lost seven of their last nine games in all competitions.

Manchester United have won 12 of their 18 previous meetings with Bournemouth

Prediction

United will expect to come out on top in this game and should do so given their form in recent games. With players returning to full sharpness after the World Cup break United should be back in full flow against Bournemouth. You can never count anyone out in the Premier League though, and The Cherries will be looking to change their fortunes of recent weeks with a statement performance at Old Trafford.

Manchester United 3-0 Bournemouth.


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