Bournemouth welcome a shaky Manchester United side to the Vitality Stadium on Sunday afternoon, aiming to complete a memorable Premier League double over the Red Devils.
Bournemouth Chasing European Dreams
Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth have been one of the season’s surprise packages, and the Cherries are still fighting for a place in Europe. Their recent draw against Crystal Palace might have been frustrating — especially after playing against 10 men for an entire half — but it saw them break their own Premier League points record with 49 points. A top-eight finish could yet be enough to secure a Conference League place, depending on the FA Cup outcome.
Bournemouth’s defensive form is also worth noting. They are on the cusp of keeping three straight Premier League clean sheets for the first time since November 2019 — and the omens are good. Back then, it was Manchester United who they shut out, and history could well repeat itself this weekend.
Manchester United’s Struggles Continue
Manchester United, meanwhile, come into this clash battered and bruised, both physically and mentally. Their shock Europa League comeback against Lyon was swiftly followed by a demoralising home defeat to Wolves, leaving them four games without a Premier League win.
Ruben Amorim’s side has now lost 15 times in the league — their worst record since the 1989-90 season. While the dream of European success remains alive with a Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao looming, domestic performances have been alarmingly poor.
Adding to their woes, full-back Diogo Dalot has joined the lengthy injury list, which already includes Lisandro Martinez, Joshua Zirkzee, and others. However, there is hope that Amad Diallo could return to training soon, while teenage wing-back Harry Amass could be handed another opportunity to impress.
Team News: Key Updates
Bournemouth will still be without Luis Sinisterra, Enes Unal, and Ryan Christie. Lewis Cook faces a late fitness test after battling an ankle issue, while Antoine Semenyo — who has racked up 116 shots this season, matching Mohamed Salah — will be key to their attacking threat.
Manchester United will miss Dalot, but Harry Maguire is pushing for a start after his Europa League heroics. The creativity of Bruno Fernandes could return to the lineup, providing a much-needed boost.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Manchester United
Despite the possible return of Fernandes, Manchester United’s attack looks toothless at the moment. Bournemouth’s settled squad, combined with home advantage and United’s glaring defensive frailties, could tilt the balance in the Cherries’ favor.
We’re backing Bournemouth to edge this one 2-1 and pile more domestic misery on Manchester United, who may already have one eye on their European adventure.
