Fourteenth placed Bournemouth will travel to Old Trafford this Saturday, to take on Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United in the match week 27 of the Premier League.
The Cherries are just a poor result away from being embroiled in the struggle to avoid relegation, having lost four league games on a trot. They were handed a 2-1 defeat by West Bromwich Albion last weekend at the Hawthorns and it would be a very hard task for Eddie Howe’s men to get anything away in the M-16. United defeated Bournemouth 3-1 in their previous meeting at the Vitality Stadium and it is difficult to visualize them doing any better in the return fixture.
Team News:
Howe will not be able to call upon star striker Callum Wilson, who has been ruled out for the season while summer signing Jordan Ibe also remains unavailable. Captain and centre-back Simon Francis is also a major doubt for the encounter.
Bournemouth predicted line-up to face Manchester United:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Artur Boruc (GK)
The former Southampton goalkeeper has made plenty of high-profile errors throughout the season and was caught out against West Brom last week as well. But given the lack of a better option, will start in goal on Saturday.
Adam Smith (RB)
Has been one of the most regularly used players for the Cherries this season. Will once again start at right-back against Mourinho’s side.
Steve Cook (CB)
Cook has been brilliant at the heart of the defence for Bournemouth this term. And with Francis still unavailable, Eddie Howe will be relying heavily on him to keep the United forwards quiet.
Tyrone Mings (CB)
Has come into the side for the injured Francis, but hasn’t made the best of impact. However, Mings will walk out on Saturday as Cook’s centre-half partner.
Charlie Daniels (LB)
The left-back has been an ever-present in the backline for Bournemouth this season. Expect that to stay the same at Old Trafford.
Harry Arter (CM)
The midfielder has been immense for Bournemouth this term. His presence will be key for Howe if they want to shackle the likes of Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera.
Andrew Surman (CM)
Alongside Arter it will be the 30-year old Andrew Surman, who has been a solid shield in the middle of the park for the Cherries.
Ryan Fraser (RW)
The 24-year old could pose some serious questions to the United left-back, be it Marcos Rojo or Matteo Darmian. They have been found wanting at times this season. And will make for an interesting battle.
Jack Wilshere (CAM)
The Arsenal loanee has been a revelation with Bournemouth after a perennial injury-struggle. He will be their creator-in-chief on Saturday, operating as a No.10.
Junior Stanislas (LW)
The 27-year old had started the season on a strong note, having scored four and assisted five but he has gone off the boil in recent weeks and hasn’t started the last three games for Bournemouth. Should be in for a recall on Saturday.
Joshua King (ST)
Has become the Cherries’ favoured striker in the absence of Callum Wilson and he will again take the pitch ahead of Benik Afobe at the Old Trafford.
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