Manchester United vs Bournemouth
Andoni Iraola has done a spectacular job with Bournemouth this season, as the Cherries are playing above their level. They drew 1-1 with West Ham United last time out, which was a bit of a disappointment. However, Bournemouth are sixth in the Premier League table with 25 points, and they’re unbeaten in their last four matches and sit just three points off the Top 4.
Manchester United are fresh from a 4-3 loss against Tottenham in the EFL Cup quarter-finals last night, ending one of their trophy chances. Before this, the Red Devils defeated the Sky Blues 2-1 in the latest Manchester Derby. Ruben Amorim’s side are the 13th seed with 22 points, but they can go as high as seventh, depending on this weekend’s Premier League 2024 results.
Who will prevail at Old Trafford this Sunday? Continue reading below for today’s SBOTOP preview.
Talking Points
Manchester United are easing out Rashford
Marcus Rashford is reportedly open to seeking new challenges after he was left out of Ruben Amorim’s matchday squad for the last two games, with Mason Mount and Antony taking turns in taking his starting spot. It’s an open secret that the 27-year-old is on the chopping block because he does not fit well with Ruben Amorim’s tactics. Amorim also dropped Alejandro Garnacho against Manchester City, but he reinstated Garnacho against the Spurs.
With four league goals under his belt, Rashford is the Red Devils’ joint-leading scorer alongside Bruno Fernandes. Amorim could recall Rashford to the matchday squad, but don’t be surprised if the Englishman doesn’t start.
Amad Diallo has capitalised on Marcus Rashford’s shortcomings. The 22-year-old winger has two league goals and a team-high six assists. More importantly, the Ivory Coast international embodies the fighting spirit Ruben Amorim wants to see. Meanwhile, Noussair Mazraoui and Rasmus Hojlund are thriving under the new management.
Ruben Amorim is determined to improve Manchester United, and the fans are starting to see the Portuguese’s ideas slowly come to fruition. The Red Devils still have a long way to go, but things are suddenly looking up now that they have a healthier squad, with only Luke Shaw as the notable absentee.
Bournemouth thrive in chaos
Bournemouth are punching above their weight because of their swashbuckling brand of football, which has generated eight goals in the past four games. The Cherries have the weapons to unsettle the Red Devils at Old Trafford, with Justin Kluivert, Evanilson, Antoine Semenyo, and Enes Unal combining for 15 league goals and four assists.
However, Ruben Amorim knows that Milos Kerkez is the Cherries’ secret weapon. The 21-year-old wing-back has a stupendous work rate. Kerkez leads the Premier League in average sprints per 90 minutes (8.8), and more than half of his runs come at full sprint (52.5-per cent). He also has one league goal and two assists under his belt.
Andoni Iraola is dealing with a worrying injury list, as Alex Scott (knee), Luis Sinisterra (hamstring), Julian Araujo (thigh), Marcos Senesi (thigh), Marcus Tavernier (hamstring) are all out for the Manchester United game.
History
Bournemouth were undefeated against Manchester United last season, beating them 3-0 at Old Trafford and drawing 2-2 with them at the Vitality Stadium in the reverse fixture. Bournemouth have also won their last two away Premier League matches. However, the Cherries have lost five of their seven Premier League away matches against the Red Devils (W1, D1).
If Manchester United fail to defeat Bournemouth this weekend, it’ll be the first time they’ve been in the bottom half of the English top-flight standings at Christmas since 1989-90 (12th place). Before their current winless run against Bournemouth, Manchester United had beaten Bournemouth three straight times with an aggregate tally of 9-2.
Betting Tip
The Premier League 2024 odds expect another epic clash between Manchester United and Bournemouth this weekend. Because they’re playing at home, the Red Devils have the edge at 1.87. Meanwhile, the Cherries are at 3.53 odds to win, the same price as the draw in the 1X2 market.
Bournemouth may have beaten Manchester United at this fixture before, but the Red Devils should fare better under Ruben Amorim. While we’re not sure who wins this game, it’s almost guaranteed we’re going to see some goals.
Total Goals 2-3 at 2.08 is the safest bet, but you can double down by going for Over 2.75 at 1.76. Furthermore, a Correct Score of 3-0 in favour of Andoni Iraola’s side – the result of their last Old Trafford encounter – has an enormous 65.00 offer.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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