Gameweek 17 of the 2024/25 Premier League season concludes with a thrilling matchup as Manchester United host Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday. Both teams aim to bounce back from recent setbacks, setting the stage for an exciting encounter.
A Tale of Two Managers
Manchester United, under Ruben Amorim’s guidance, have shown flashes of brilliance but also faced growing pains. A disappointing 4-3 EFL Cup exit to Tottenham was softened by a remarkable comeback victory over Manchester City last weekend. Amorim’s team sits in 13th place, far below their expected standards.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola has turned the team into a rising force. Despite a shaky start to his tenure, Iraola has propelled the Cherries to sixth place, just three points behind fourth-placed Manchester City. Bournemouth’s impressive upward trajectory makes them a formidable opponent.
Recent Memories
Last season’s corresponding fixture ended in a shocking 3-0 victory for Bournemouth, with Dominic Solanke, Philip Billing, and Marcos Senesi on the scoresheet. Will history repeat itself, or can Manchester United reclaim dominance?
Team News & Tactics
Manchester United
Ruben Amorim faces selection challenges with injuries affecting his squad. Victor Lindelof joins Luke Shaw and Mason Mount on the sidelines, leaving Amorim to shuffle his defense.
The Red Devils are expected to deploy a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Andre Onana in goal. Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, and Leny Yoro will likely form the defensive trio. Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo are set to anchor the midfield, supported by wing-backs Amad Diallo and Diogo Dalot. Up front, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Hojlund lead the attack.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Diallo, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot; Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
Bournemouth
Andoni Iraola has fewer injury concerns but remains without key players like Marcos Senesi, Alex Scott, and Julian Araujo. The Cherries will likely stick to a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Kepa Arrizabalaga will guard the net, with Adam Smith, Illia Zabarnyi, Dean Huijsen, and Milos Kerkez forming the backline. In midfield, Lewis Cook partners Ryan Christie, while Justin Kluivert takes up the No. 10 role. Dango Ouattara and Antoine Semenyo provide width, with Enes Unal leading the line.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Kepa; Smith, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Cook, Christie; Semenyo, Kluivert, Ouattara; Unal
Key Stats
- Bournemouth have managed just four wins in 22 meetings against Manchester United in all competitions.
- Manchester United’s 22 points from 16 games is their lowest since 1989.
- Bournemouth have earned 17 points from their last 10 games, making them one of the league’s in-form teams.
- Ruben Amorim’s side has conceded a league-high 8 goals from corners this season.
- Bruno Fernandes has contributed to seven goals (four goals, three assists) in his last seven Premier League appearances.
Player to Watch
Amad Diallo emerges as a pivotal figure for Manchester United. The Ivory Coast international has been in sensational form, leading the league with five assists since November and scoring in his last two games. Expect him to be a game-changer on Sunday.
Manchester United vs Bournemouth Prediction
Manchester United 2-2 Bournemouth
Live Stream
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