Premier League action continues as Manchester United hosts Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Saturday, December 22nd, 2024, at 8:00 PM (GMT). Under Erik ten Hag’s management, Manchester United will look to strengthen their position in the top half of the table, while Bournemouth, managed by Andoni Iraola, will be aiming to pull off an upset and gain valuable points in their quest for mid-table security.
Manchester United vs Bournemouth Form Guide
Manchester United
Manchester United has been strong in protecting leads this season and excels at stealing the ball from their opponents. With key players like Bruno Fernandes, who has been instrumental in their attacking strategies, and the likes of Amad Diallo, United will aim to dominate possession and create chances with through balls. However, they’ve shown some weaknesses in finishing scoring chances and defending set pieces, which Bournemouth will look to exploit.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth has been a team known for creating scoring opportunities, especially through their wing play. Players like Justin Kluivert and Antoine Semenyo have been key in their offensive game, contributing to both goals and assists. They will look to counter-attack with pace and efficiency, but they need to address issues with possession and aerial duels, where they have struggled in the past.
Manchester United vs Bournemouth Key Battles
Bruno Fernandes vs Justin Kluivert
Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, with 4 goals this season, faces off against Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert, who has scored 5. Fernandes is known for his ability to influence the game through both scoring and creating chances, while Kluivert brings pace and directness to Bournemouth’s attack. This battle between the two forwards will be key in deciding who can make the most significant impact in the attacking third.
Amad Diallo vs Antoine Semenyo
Amad Diallo, with 8 combined goals and assists, goes up against Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who has contributed 5 goals and assists. Diallo’s flair and creativity have been vital to his side’s attacking play, while Semenyo’s work rate and ability to contribute in both scoring and assisting provide a well-rounded threat. This battle will be crucial in determining which player can provide the decisive moments in the final third.
Manchester United vs Bournemouth Tactical Outlook
Manchester United’s tactical focus is on maintaining control and protecting leads, making them very strong defensively when ahead. Their ability to steal the ball from the opposition allows them to transition quickly and create chances, particularly through through balls. They tend to play possession-based football, often attacking down the left and utilizing short passes to build up play. However, their weaknesses in finishing scoring chances and defending set pieces could be vulnerable to Bournemouth’s attacking threats.
Bournemouth thrives on creating scoring chances, often by attacking down the wings and taking long shots. Their strength in coming back from losing positions makes them a resilient side, and they tend to play aggressively, attempting crosses and long balls to stretch the opposition. However, their weaknesses in keeping possession, aerial duels, and avoiding offside could undermine their ability to maintain offensive pressure and defend against Manchester United’s possession game.
Also read:- Football Prediction | Crystal Palace vs Arsenal | English Premier League | December 21
Head-to-Head Encounters
The current head-to-head record for the teams is Manchester United with 9 wins, AFC Bournemouth with 3 wins, and 2 draws. Manchester United are the favorites for this match, with odds of 1.80 to win, 3.80 for a draw, and 4.20 for AFC Bournemouth to win.
Injury News and Suspensions
Manchester United
Manchester United will be without Luke Shaw and Mason Mount for the upcoming fixtures, both sidelined with hamstring and muscle injuries, respectively, expected to return by early January 2025. Victor Nilsson Lindelöf is a doubt due to a knock and is expected to return by late December 2024. With these absences, United’s defensive and midfield depth could be tested in their upcoming match.
AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth will also be missing key players as they prepare for the encounter. Alex Scott, dealing with a meniscus injury, is expected back by late December 2024, while Julian Araujo’s hamstring injury will keep him out until late February 2025. Luis Sinisterra and Marcos Senesi, both struggling with muscle injuries, are expected to return in late December 2024 and mid-March 2025, respectively. Marcus Tavernier is another player on the sidelines, with a hamstring injury set to rule him out until mid-January 2025. These absences will pose challenges for Bournemouth in the clash against Manchester United.
Manchester United vs Bournemouth Possible Playing Squad
Manchester United
øjlund, Mount, Amad, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dalot, Mazraoui, Martinez, Maguire, de Ligt, Onana (GK)
Bournemouth
Evanilson, Ouattara, Kluivert, Semenyo, Cook, Christie, Kerkez, Huijsen, Zabarnyi, Smith, Arrizabalaga (GK)
Match Details at a Glance
| Match | Date | Time | Format | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester United vs AFC Bournemouth | Saturday, December 22, 2024 | 8:00 PM (GMT) | Premier League | Trafford, Manchester, England |
Match Prediction
Manchester United will look to capitalize on their home advantage, but Bournemouth’s attacking style and counter-attacking potential could make the match competitive. However, Manchester United’s quality and depth should prove too much for Bournemouth in the end.
Score Prediction
A 3-1 victory for AFC Bournemouth seems plausible, with Evanilson playing a key role in their attack and Manchester United finding the net through Højlund or Amad.