MU Must Win, But Bournemouth is Not an Easy Opponent

AFC Bournemouth will host Manchester United at the Vitality Stadium on Friday, March 20 or Saturday, March 21 WIB in the 31st week of the Premier League.

The home team is ambitious to extend their unbeaten streak to 11 matches, while the visiting team is aiming for full points to secure a Champions League zone position.

With eight games remaining, Bournemouth still have a slim chance of qualifying for European competition. A win over Manchester United could take them up to eighth, at least before another game is played at the weekend.

However, Andoni Iraola's team must overcome the classic problem this season, namely playing too often. Bournemouth has recorded 14 draws, the most in the league.

Bournemouth also have a positive record in the last five meetings against Manchester United, with two wins and three draws, including a dramatic 4-4 draw in the previous meeting this season.

However, Bournemouth is certain to lose a number of players such as Justin Kluivert, Lewis Cook, Tyler Adams, and Julio Soler due to injuries.

Meanwhile, David Brooks has the opportunity to return to the starting lineup after impressing this season by creating 7 golden opportunities.

Manchester United has shown an improvement in performance since being managed by interim coach Michael Carrick in mid-January. Under his direction, the Red Devils collected 22 points from nine matches, the result of seven wins, one draw, and one defeat.

Now, Manchester United is in third place with 54 points, 6 points ahead of Chelsea in sixth place in the tight race for the Champions League ticket.

Victory in this match will increase Manchester United's chances, even being able to get six points away from Aston Villa in fourth place before the weekend match.

Despite performing solidly, Manchester United's away form is still a record. They only collected 21 points from 15 away games, compared to 33 points from the same number of games at home.

Manchester United's only defeat in Carrick's era also came away, losing 1-2 to Newcastle United.

At Manchester United, several players such as Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, and Patrick Dorgu are still absent due to injury.

Team captain Bruno Fernandes has been in the spotlight after recording 16 assists this season, just four shy of the Premier League record.

He is expected to be supported by a front line filled with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Amad Diallo, while Benjamin Sesko is ready to make an impact from the bench.

Predicted Starting XI:

Bournemouth (4-2-3-1) Petrovic (Gk) Smith, Hill, Senesi, Truffert Scott, Christie Brooks, Tavernier, Rayan Evanilson

Manchester United (4-2-3-1) Lammens (Gk) Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw Casemiro, Mainoo Diallo, Fernandes, Cunha Mbeumo