Premier League 2022-23: Bournemouth vs Manchester United: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The Premier League top four race heats up as the Red Devils travel to the south coast to take on the Cherries on Saturday.

Manchester United still have to win two of their last three matches to confirm their finish in the Top 4 and qualify for next year's Champions League. Their relatively successful season has been undergoing a rough patch in recent weeks with back-to-back 1-0 defeats to Brighton and West Ham United, until winning 2-0 at home to Wolves on Sunday to stop the rot. Their record at Old Trafford has been their strength this season winning 13 of their 17 matches, drawing thrice and losing only once.

However, their travels away from home have been the Achilles heel of Eric ten Hag's side where they've lost more than they've won (7W,8L,3D) and have the fifth-best record behind fellow top-four candidates Newcastle, and Brighton. United also haven't been aided by the injuries to the first-choice defensive pairing of Varane and Martinez who've been missing for crucial parts of the season though injuries, their ability to create and finish quality chances has been a big issue in recent weeks, with Marcus Rashford's goal-scoring also coming to a halt.

Bournemouth have completed the near-impossible task of surviving in the Premier League this season after a miraculous turnaround under caretaker manager Gary O'Neil who has now got the reign permanently. Crucial victories against giants Tottenham away & Liverpool at home has allowed the Cherries to create an eight cushion from the bottom three on 39 points and assure another season in the Premier League. They host Manchester United and can deal a serious blow to their Top 4 aspirations and another upset win will add another 'Cherry' to an already incredible Premier League survival journey.

Kick-Off:

Saturday, 20-05-2023, 02:00 PM (GMT)

Saturday, 20-05-2023, 07:30 AM (IST)

Bournemouth Form (All Competitions): L-L-W-W-L

Manchester United Form (All Competitions): W-L-L-W-D

Player to Watch Out

Bournemouth: Dominic Solanke

The former Liverpool striker is enjoying his return to the top flight of English football and has been an important component in his club's survival this season. He's scored seven goals and six assists to his name this season. However, his all-round improvement has taken a massive leap as evident in his ability to contest and win duels against strong centre-backs and bring his midfielders into play with the second balls.

His physical condition also looks to be Premier League ready allowing him to produce consistent performance, irrespective of whether he is able to contribute with his goals. His most memorable performance was against Spurs away from home where he produced his best display this season, assisting twice and also scoring in a famous 2-3 victory. He could be the man who makes a difference yet against United.

Manchester United: Bruno Fernandes

The Manchester United captain certainly has been amongst the peripheral figures when it comes to previous seasons where he's been much more prolific in scoring goals. Although, it might more of an indictment on the forwards at United who've been wasteful with the chances he's been creating for them. The creative role this season has his assists tally up to eight(team-high) this season and also scored six times. He'll have to deliver in this must-win tie for United if they're to clinch their UCL spot season.

Match Facts

Bournemouth have lost eight of their 11 Premier League games against Manchester United (W2 D1).

Bournemouth have conceded a league-high 27 goals from set-piece situations this season.

Team & Injury News

Bournemouth have Tavernier (hamstring), Traore (foot), Moore (head), Fredericks (calf) and Stanislas (unspecified) all remain sidelined against United.

United have long term absentees in Martinez(foot), Van De Beek(knee), Sabitzer(knee), Rashford(leg), Jones(knee), & McTominay(dsicomfort).

Head-to-head Stats

Matches – 11

Bournemouth – 2

Manchester United – 8

Draws – 1

Predicted Lineup

Bournemouth Predicted lineup (3-2-4-1): 

Neto; Smith, Senesi, Kelly; Vina, Lerma, Rothwell; Ouattara, Billing, Christie; Solanke

Manchester United Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): 

De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Varane, Shaw; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Martial; Rashford.

Prediction for Bournemouth vs Manchester United

Manchester United have no other option but to win as rivals Liverpool are breathing down their neck with just a point separating them. However, the game-in-hand advantage may no longer exist after this weekend's matchup, as the season reaches its conclusion. It's difficult to see anything other than a United win in a must-win game, with Bournemouth having very little to play for with Premier League safety already ensured.

Prediction: Bournemouth 1 - 2 Manchester United

Telecast

India – Star Sports Select, Disney+ Hotstar.

UK – Blackout(No coverage)

US – NBC, USA Network.

Nigeria – SportLemon.tv.