Man Utd vs Bournemouth predictions: Another uneasy win likely for hosts
- United are sixth, three points off fourth
- Bournemouth have moved up to 15th after poor start
- Recommended bet: Man Utd to win and both teams to score
Manchester United showed off their good side when beating Chelsea 2-1 at home on Wednesday and they should be able to see off an improving Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Saturday as well.
The Red Devils have been way short of their best this season and have sometimes got away with it against so-called lesser opposition, so they must be wary of the Cherries, who are on the up with Andoni Iraola's methods now taking hold.
Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last four, winning three, and Wednesday's routine 2-0 win at Crystal Palace underlines their progress.
The visitors are up to 15th, nine points clear of the relegation zone and they will approach the trip to Old Trafford with a positive mindset, even if they may ultimately come away with nothing.
Team news
United's injury and absentee list remains lengthy with Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Amad Diallo and Jadon Sancho all unavailable.
Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount are all still rated as major doubts for the hosts too.
Bournemouth are also struggling with players in the treatment room as Tyler Adams, Max Aarons, Lloyd Kelly, Alex Scott, Ryan Fredericks, Emiliano Marcondes and Darren Randolph are all expected to sit out the trip to Manchester.
The stats
United have never been on a longer top-flight run without a draw, having now played 22 successive matches in the division without sharing the spoils.
After failing to win any of their first five away games, Bournemouth have won their last two games on the road, beating Sheffield United and Crystal Palace recently.
Bournemouth have only ever beaten United three times in their history and, in 12 Premier League meetings since 2015, the Red Devils have won nine times, the Cherries twice and there has been one draw between them.
Prediction
United have been devilishly unpredictable this season, going on a three-match unbeaten run without conceding, before then throwing in a stinker of a display in the 1-0 defeat at Newcastle last weekend.
Amid widespread reports of dressing room unrest, they gathered themselves sufficiently to edge out Chelsea in midweek but questions remain over just how much support Ten Hag retains within the squad.
There is plenty of evidence to suggest they have been painting over some considerable cracks at times this season, but Bournemouth, despite their clear improvement lately, are still fairly agreeable opponents.
Iraola's side can play their part and will expect to score at least. The Cherries have registered at least one goal in each of their last seven league games.
However, this could end up in a narrow defeat for the visitors.
Win up to £250,000 with LiveScore 6!
Win up to £250,000 with our free-to-play game, LiveScore 6!
