Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
When Manchester United do not have European competitions in their schedule, they play noticeably more confidently, although they are still slightly short of the Champions League places. Can they defeat Bournemouth, who have gone six league matches without a win?
Manchester United
Last weekend Manchester United celebrated a 4:1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, but it would have been surprising had they not done so. The team have actually been more successful away from home than at Old Trafford: they have taken points in five consecutive away matches (11 of a possible 15), whereas at Old Trafford they have failed to win their last two. Those opponents were from the lower part of the standings — Everton (0:1) and West Ham United (1:1).
Bournemouth
Bournemouth have been weak over their recent run (two draws and four defeats), including at home. At the Vitality Stadium they have failed to score in their last two matches: the same 0:1 scoreline against Everton and a 0:0 draw with Chelsea. The match against Chelsea does, however, offer some encouragement for an imminent victory: they produced 1.42 xG from 39% possession and had 11 shots on goal. Bournemouth are likely to play on the counter again against Manchester United.
Manchester United vs Bournemouth Prediction
In reality, Manchester United are hosting a very awkward opponent for them. The last two meetings at Old Trafford ended in heavy 0:3 defeats. The most recent of those, in 2024, will surely also be remembered by Rúben Amorim. On that occasion neither 23 shots nor 2.28 xG helped the hosts to score, and Bournemouth’s route to victory was straightforward: a goal from a free-kick, a penalty and intense pressing in central midfield. We will back either side to win and no more than three goals in the match.
