Sabasports Match Preview
Premier League: Bournemouth vs Manchester United
Kickoff Time: 2025-04-27 21:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Isabel Infantes
Bournemouth drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace away last round. The team achieved one win and two draws in the last three rounds of league games, maintaining an undefeated record, showing signs of improvement. Bournemouth mainly plays with a 4-2-3-1 formation and highly focuses on quick counterattacks. They exploit the spaces left by opponents’ defenses to score goals. Their double holding midfielders make decisive decisions when transitioning from defense to attack, with more than 70% of their forward passes directly connecting to the front line to avoid slowing down the tempo. This rapid counterattacking style often exposes deep vulnerabilities in the opponent’s high defensive line. Notably, Justin Kluivert is a key player in executing this tactical plan and also tops the team in both goals and assists. Furthermore, Bournemouth’s set-piece tactics are particularly threatening, with 44% of their goals this season coming from set pieces.
Manchester United lost 0-1 at home to Wolves last round, recording only one draw and three losses in their last four league games, performing quite poorly. This season, Manchester United has been struggling in the Premier League, currently suffering from 15 losses in the league, which is the worst record in terms of losses for a single season in club history. Analyzing both offensive and defensive performances, United still faces many problems. Alejandro Garnacho is one of the few explosive players for United, contributing more significantly playing as a right winger compared to his contributions on the left side. As for Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, they remain relatively ineffective. In terms of defense, United’s defense line appears to be virtually non-existent. It is worth noting that the league holds little significance for United, as their focus shifts to the first leg of the Europa League semi-final in four days, so it might be unavoidable to save energy in the league.
This season, Bournemouth’s overall performance has been clearly better than United’s. Additionally, in their first encounter, Bournemouth thrashed United 3-0 on the road. Coupled with United’s upcoming European task in four days, it’s necessary for the Red Devils to reserve energy in the league. All things considered, this match favors Bournemouth to secure all three points at home.
Bournemouth’s Last 5 Games: DWDLL
25-04-19 Crystal Palace 0-0 Bournemouth
25094015 Bournemouth 1-0 Fulham
25-04-05 West Ham United 2-2 Bournemouth
25-04-03 Bournemouth 1-2 Ipswich Town
25-03-30 Bournemouth 1-2 Manchester City
Manchester United’s Last 5 Games: LDLDD
25-04-20 Manchester United 0-1 Wolves
25-04-18 Manchester United 2-2 Lyon (AET 5-4)
25-04-13 Newcastle United 4-1 Manchester United
25-04-11 Lyon 2-2 Manchester United
25-03-06 Manchester United 0-0 Manchester City
Head To Head Record:
24-12-22 Manchester United 0-3 Bournemouth
24-04-14 Bournemouth 2-2 Manchester United
23-12-09 Manchester United 0-3 Bournemouth
23-05-20 Bournemouth 0-1 Manchester United
23-01-04 Manchester United 3-0 Bournemouth
Prediction: Bournemouth to win