Bournemouth - Manchester United predictions and free betting tips [13/04/2024]

On Saturday, 13th April within the 33rd round of the EPL, Bournemouth will host Manchester United on their home field. The Cherries no longer have a tournament motivation and are finishing the season at their leisure, while the visitors are still hoping for a finish in the European Cup zone.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth, which is in the lower half of the league table, occupies the 12th place in the Premier League and finishes the season with no motivation left in the remaining rounds. Recently, the Cherries have achieved decent results, going unbeaten in five games (4 wins and 1 draw). However, they suffered a setback last weekend: travelling away to a sinking Luton Town, the red-and-blacks capitulated to the Hatters (2:1). This, of course, deprived themselves of any lingering hopes of a European Cup zone finish. Marcus Tavernier put the Southern side ahead seven minutes into the second half, but the underdog levelled the score thanks to a precise strike from Jordan Clark, and Carlton Morris slammed in the winning goal on the 90th minute. This condemned Andoni Iraola's charges to their 12th defeat of the season.

Bournemouth occupies only the 13th place in the overall standings in terms of points scored at home (23 in 16 domestic clashes). The team's squad still lacks right-back Fredericks and winger Sinisterra due to injuries. In addition, the physical readiness of centre back Mepham is questionable. Despite last weekend's defeat, Tavernier (3 goals and 4 assists) and Kluivert (5 goals and 1 assist) will once again form the attacking partnership, and will be joined by experienced Dominic Solanke (16 goals and 3 assists) and talented Semenyo (7 goals and 2 assists). Lloyd Kelly returned to action from a minor injury last weekend, and Marcos Senesi even came on as a substitute in the second half; both defenders are likely to start this Saturday.

Manchester United

Manchester United has failed to meet expectations this season, dropping completely out of the fight for the "big quartet". The Red Devils are currently only 6th in the Premier League and are hoping for a spot in the Europa League or the Conference League. Their form has dipped in recent times: after losing 4:3 to Chelsea, the team showed resilience and managed a 2:2 draw against Liverpool at home at the weekend. Stunning strikes from Bruno Fernandes and Kobi Mainu in the second half put the Mancunians ahead, but with six minutes to go, Mohamed Salah equalised with a penalty after Aaron Wan-Bissaka fouled on Harvey Elliott.

Manchester United got past Merseyside (4:3 after extra time) in the FA Cup in March and will meet Championship side Coventry City in the semi-finals. United's squad misses key defenders Shaw, Lisandro Martínez, Lindelöf, holding midfielder McTominay, and Malasiya along with Martial, due to injuries. Centre-backs Varane and Evans, who were absent in the last round, are also unlikely to recover in time for this Saturday's match. Bruno Fernandes (6 goals and 6 assists) and Mainu are expected to start after a strong showing against Liverpool, while the attacking trio of Rashford (7 goals and 2 assists), Garnacho (7 goals and 3 assists) and Hojlund (7 goals and 2 assists) should also feature. Nineteen-year-old Willy Kambwala will continue to operate in the heart of the defence alongside Harry Maguire.

Head to Head

The first-leg match between these teams ended in a sensational 0:3 rout of Man United at Old Trafford. However, prior to that, the Red Devils had won three in a row.

Predictions for the Match: Bournemouth - Manchester United

In the coming weeks, Manchester United will have to make significant efforts, as the visitors simply cannot afford to drop points if they want to keep their hopes of a top five finish alive. Bournemouth, on the other hand, are just ticking off the games with tournament motivation no longer playing a part – even with all the problems Man United is experiencing, the Cherries simply can't be considered favourites for this tie. My prediction is a draw or win for Erik ten Hag's side.