AFC Bournemouth will be looking to repeat last week’s giant-killing victory over Chelsea when they play host to Manchester United at the Vitality Stadium in Saturday’s late game.
The win against the Blues has been widely touted as the greatest win in the history of the Cherries. Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe said in an interview after that game: “We don’t want it to be a one off game; we want to try and build on this result and move up the table”. Howe made clear his intention to take points away from Manchester United.
Under fire Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal will be looking to get his side back on track after a disappointing midweek result that saw them dramatically eliminated from the UEFA Champions League. The Red Devils have been without a win in all competitions since their 2-1 win against the newly-promoted Watford – exactly five fixtures ago.
Often criticised for his possessive, cautious philosophy on the ball, van Gaal will likely take a similar approach on the weekend against a Bournemouth side that has become notorious for wrestling the tempo of the game away from even the most illustrious opponents.
United come into this fixture in fourth position on the league table, three points from league leaders Leicester City. An away win at Bournemouth will be vital in their efforts to run down the Foxes. Bournemouth on the other hand have recently emerged from the red of the relegation zone and will now put all their efforts towards keeping it that way.
Key Battle – Steve Cook vs Anthony Martial
Cook, who has struggled at times keeping pace with strikers in the Premier League, will be charged with keeping tabs on Martial, who has made a name for himself by making a fool of some of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders in the league.
Cook is safe in the air and strong in tackles, but has shown an inability to effectively mark some of the Premier League’s more spritely names – he seems to lack the necessary turn of pace. Martial on the other hand has built his game around his devastating turn of pace, mixed with some jinxed footwork. The young Frenchman possesses ability beyond his years.
Martial will likely get the better of the Bournemouth defence on one or two occasions come Saturday. The game, however, may come down to whether or not Martial can convert his ability to beat a man into goals.
Team News
It is likely that the performances of Adam Smith will earn him a first team start over the likes of Sylvain Distin, who’s own health threatens to exclude him from Saturday’s proceedings. Smith has been in inspiring form over the past couple of weeks, changing the face of the game against Everton and bringing similar enthusiasm into the Chelsea game.
The only other concern within Howe’s ranks is the goal output of striker Joshua King. King has only managed a single goal in 13 Premier League appearances so far this term. It is unclear how much longer Howe will persist with the young Norwegian, remembering that the evergreen Glenn Murray sits on the bench. Murray made a strong case for his superiority with the winning goal against Chelsea.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=io8Z88dL-Mo
Manchester United come into the fixture with plenty of hindrances for van Gaal to ponder. Marquee signing Bastian Schweinsteiger will be out for three games after being charged with violent conduct after a tussle with West Ham defender Winston Reid.
Matteo Darmian’s fitness is in doubt after being subbed off midweek with a suspected hamstring injury. Pending a late fitness test, Darmian may well be replaced by midweek debutant Cameron Borthwick-Jackson.
Meanwhile, the likes of Wayne Rooney, Ander Herrera and Phil Jones remain doubtful of a return in time for this weekend’s fixture.
Head-to-Head
The two sides have only faced each other on eight occasions throughout history with United winning five games to Bournemouth’s one, with two draws. However the two sides have not met since the inception of the Premier League, meaning that those historical results carry very little baring on this week’s fixture.
Going off recent form, the sides are relatively close, with both clubs taking five points from their last three league fixtures. This is a statistic that probably leans in favor of Bournemouth, who have had to face a higher standard of opposition in comparison to United’s last three games.
Prediction
While Bournemouth have shown an ability to compete with the best the Premier League has to offer, they may struggle to take points away from a calculating Manchester United. Even an undermanned United still offer exceptional quality and the ability to close out matches.
United’s measured approach to games has led to them conceding the least goals of any team this season, but they have had to sacrifice their attack to some extent. Expect a game that is contested in midfield and will likely have very few goals, with United’s pedigree eventually getting them over the line.
AFC Bournemouth 0 Manchester United 1
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