Sabasports Match Preview
Premier League: Manchester United vs Bournemouth
Kickoff Time: 2023-12-09 23:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/CARL RECINE
Manchester United’s performance has been inconsistent, and conflicts
among players and coach have the potential to escalate. According to reports
from Sky Sports, ESPN, and other media outlets, some players have expressed
dissatisfaction with Erik ten Hag’s training methods and believe that he has
issues with team management. This has led to negative emotions among some
players. However, whenever Ten Hag faces a crisis of confidence, there always
seems to be a player who steps up to the occasion, and this time it was Scott McTominay.
In the match against Chelsea, McTominay scored two goals, helping Manchester
United secure a victory and gain three crucial points to boost their morale.
With five league goals, McTominay is currently the team’s top scorer. Looking
back at the midweek battle, Manchester United players displayed a positive
spirit and showed determination in their attacking and defensive efforts. They
maintained pressure in the opponent’s half until the final whistle. The players
worked together and created a total of 28 shooting opportunities, which is the
highest number they have achieved this season.
Bournemouth have experienced a recent resurgence, going from earning
only three points in the first nine games to accumulating 13 points in the last
six games. This turnaround can be attributed to the adoption of a 4-2-3-1
formation and a tactical emphasis on defensive counterattacks. They utilize
wing play and launch quick counterattacks after successful interceptions in the
midfield and backcourt. Additionally, they employ tactical fouls to disrupt the
opponent’s offensive rhythm. Bournemouth rank second in the league for average
fouls per game (12.9), third for average dribbles per game (10.1), and fifth
for average steals per game (18.8). However, they do have a weakness in
defense, as they have conceded the third-highest number of goals in the league.
Furthermore, their main right back, Max Aarons, is currently injured, which
could potentially create vulnerabilities on the right wing. It’s worth noting
that wing breakthroughs have traditionally been a strength for Manchester
United.
Manchester United have shown a pattern of winning against teams ranked
10th or lower in the league standings in their nine league victories. With
Bournemouth currently ranked 15th, it is likely that Manchester United will
seize the opportunity to secure all three points.
Manchester United’s Last 5 Games: WLDWW
23-12-07 Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea
23-12-03 Newcastle United 1-0 Manchester United
23-11-30 Galatasaray 3-3 Manchester United
23-11-27 Everton 0-3 Manchester United
23-11-11 Manchester United 1-0 Luton Town
Bournemouth’s Last 5 Games: WDWWL
23-12-07 Crystal Palace 0-2 Bournemouth
23-12-03 Bournemouth 2-2 Aston Villa
23-11-25 Sheffield United 1-3 Bournemouth
23-11-12 Bournemouth 2-0 Newcastle United
23-11-04 Manchester City 6-1 Bournemouth
Head To Head Record:
23-05-20 Bournemouth 0-1 Manchester United
23-01-04 Manchester United 3-0 Bournemouth
20-07-04 Manchester United 5-2 Bournemouth
19-11-02 Bournemouth 1-0 Manchester United
18-12-31 Manchester United 4-1 Bournemouth
Prediction: Manchester United
to win