There is not much at stake in the rearranged Premier League match between Manchester United and Bournemouth, but both sides will be looking to finish off the campaign with a flourish.
Bournemouth have flown under the radar this season and have done an excellent job to stay in the Premier League under Eddie Howe despite crippling injury blows to key players throughout the course of the season. A win on Tuesday at Old Trafford would see them jump up to 14th in the league.
Manchester United, on the other hand, can still mathematically qualify for the Champions League. However, they will have to win this match by 19 goals in order to finish ahead of Manchester City. Europa League qualification looks more within their reach. A draw takes them to fifth spot, which will ensure direct qualification for the competition’s group stage.
Team News & Tactical Analysis
Manchester United
Needing just a draw to secure Europa League qualification, Louis van Gaal is likely to rest some of his key players in this match. The Red Devils have an FA Cup final against Crystal Palace coming up on Saturday, and Van Gaal will like to have his team well rested for their Wembley engagement.
Manchester United will be without the services of defenders Matteo Darmian and Marcos Rojo, as both of them have been ruled out due to injury. Meanwhile, the midfield will also lack some muscle, with Belgian Marouane Fellaini serving out a retrospective suspension from the FA.
Fellaini’s absence will make Manchester United’s attacks a bit one dimensional, as they do not really have a big target to aim at up front. However, they will be trying to use the creativity of Juan Mata and Ander Herrera in order to open up Bournemouth’s defence.
Chris Smalling and Anthony Martial are set to be rested in this game, with Paddy McNair and Memphis Depay taking their place in defence and on the wing respectively. Captain Wayne Rooney could also get a rest, but youngster Marcus Rashford is set to feature.
Possible Starting XI (4-1-4-1): Romero; Borthwick-Jackson, Blind, McNair, Fosu-Mensah; Schneiderlin; Depay, Mata, Herrera, Lingard; Rashford
AFC Bournemouth
With nothing much left to play for, Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is also set to make a number of changes to his first team. Howe had named five changes to his team on Sunday before the game was called off due to a bomb threat.
The Cherries are expected to play their usual open and attacking football against the struggling Manchester United side. However, since the Red Devils like possession, we can expect Howe’s side to sit back a bit and counter-attack.
Midfielder Harry Arter will be crucial to Bournemouth’s chances in this game. His box-to-box play in the middle of the pitch will help Howe’s side in attacking transitions on Tuesday, particularly if Van Gaal names a slow midfield.
The Cherries are not a side that will sit and absorb pressure all match. However, this also makes them vulnerable to the United attackers, who can co a lot of damage if given space and time on the ball.
Possible Starting XI (4-4-2): Federici; Daniels, Cook, Elphick, Francis; Pugh, Arter, Surman, Ritchie; Wilson, King
Key Stats
- Manchester United have not lost any of their last seven home matches in the Premier League.
- There have been less than 2.5 goals on average in Manchester United’s last five Premier League matches.
- However, there have been more than 2.5 goals on average in Bournemouth’s last four matches.
- The two sides have met just once in the history of the Premier League, and that game was won 2-1 by Bournemouth last year.
Players to watch out for
Jesse Lingard (Manchester United)
With most of Manchester United’s main players likely to be rested, the responsibility of carrying the team forward might fall upon the young shoulders of Jesse Lingard. Although there are more experienced campaigners like Juan Mata in the team, the Spaniard has been out of form and may not have as big an impact on the match. Lingard, on the other hand, has shown that he can pick his game up even when the chips are down, and he could be the key for Manchester United.
Steven Cook (Bournemouth)
Cook has been a rock at the heart of the Bournemouth defence, and it is unlikely that Howe will leave him out in this high profile match. The 25-year-old is always calm and collective in defence, reading the situation before committing to a tackle. Cook will need to bring his A-game to the pitch on Tuesday if Bournemouth are to take anything from this match.
Prediction
Manchester United 0 – 0 Bournemouth
With both sides having nothing to play for, a goalless draw is a likelihood in Tuesday’s final Premier League game. Manchester United will have one eye on the FA Cup final next weekend, but will be keen to finish as close to their city rivals as possible.
Blast from the past
