Game Week 37 Predictions: Manchester United vs Bournemouth

Game Week 37 Predictions: Manchester United must not drop points at Bournemouth - Premier League Preview, Betting tips, Team news

Manchester United must overcome their own wretched away form to land an important win at Bournemouth to take the driving seat in the top-four battle. (Photo credit: Inside Sport)

 

Bournemouth vs. Manchester United

Vitality Stadium

15:00hrs

From a position of comfort, Manchester United has now been drawn into a top-four fight as Liverpool closes in on them, but a win here could offer some breathing space ahead of the Kops’ engagement later in the day.

The Red Devils have managed to invite pressure, and they must beat Bournemouth to ease the tension within the camp.

Erik Ten Hag knows the magnitude of the task ahead as well as the glory behind it; his team can’t fluff it now.

Bournemouth has had a tremendous season, and it must be celebrated.

From the ashes of the tragedy that saw them part ways with Scott Parker after shipping nine horrific goals at Bournemouth, the Cherries rose and are now mathematically safe from relegation.

This game has "deja vu" written all over it.

Arsenal was seemingly in a position of comfort to finish in the top four going into the last three games of the season.

But the Gunners lost at Spurs and Newcastle in the penultimate games of the season, and the rest is history.

There are too many similarities with United here.

How did it get this bad for Manchester United?

They played themselves into this position, and in a way, they have to pay for their own arrogance.

Two wins in the last five isn’t good enough, and overreliance on Marcus Rashford is coming back to bite.

You can also look at United and give them a warm round of applause.

This is supposed to be Erik Ten Hag’s adaptation season; he did spend quality money on a few top guys, but his insistence on Antony hasn’t paid off quite well.

A league cup triumph as well as a date in the FA Cup final are worthy of celebration.

But if they miss out on Champions League football, it would be too much for them to bear considering how well they have played in patches this season.

Newcastle has sealed their place in the top four hypothetically; the Geordies beat Brighton on Thursday to take the advantage in the race.

And as it stands, fourth is probably the worst they’d finish.

Manchester United must beat Bournemouth to hold off Liverpool, at least until the last round.

Liverpool host Villa later in the day, but Manchester United might not need much favour from Unai Emery and his boys if they take care of Bournemouth at the Vicarage Road Stadium.

But looking at United’s travel history, it’s a tough one to judge.

Bournemouth has nothing to lose, but every club wants to finish as high as possible on the log.

United must show grit and intent from the start.

Rashford was said to be ill but could well return to the bench after missing the win over Wolves.

Verdict: Both teams will score.