Manchester United host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Tuesday as they look to maintain their recent good form. With Bournemouth struggling since the restart, the Red Devils will be confident of coming out on top.
Manchester United ended 2022 with a victory as they won 1-0 at Wolverhampton Wanderers in their previous Premier League fixture. They were made to work hard by the hosts and needed Marcus Rashford to come off the bench and score the winner midway through the second half.
The Red Devils have looked like a side refreshed since the restart and are currently on a three-match winning run across all competitions. At the heart of that run is a solid defence as Erik Ten Hag’s men have kept clean sheets in all three matches.
Old Trafford has also been regaining its status as a fortress in recent weeks as they are unbeaten in their last eight home matches, claiming seven wins in that run. The defence has once again played a central role as they have kept seven clean sheets in seven of those fixtures.
While Manchester United have flourished since the restart, it is the opposite for Bournemouth, who have lost their last three matches. They have been steadily slipping back down the table and are now just three points above the relegation zone.
Bournemouth travel to Old Trafford off the back of a 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace in their previous Premier League fixture. The result means Gary O’Neil’s men have now failed to score for a third straight game.
Another problem for Bournemouth is their poor record on their travels where they are winless in their last six matches across all competitions. They have lost the last four fixtures in that run, failing to score in three of those outings.
How the bookies view it
The bookies have Manchester United as overwhelming favourites with a home win priced at 2/7 by William Hill. An unlikely victory for Bournemouth is valued at 10/1 by bet365 while a draw is set at 9/2 with Paddy Power.
Head to head
Manchester United have a 7-2 advantage with one draw from 10 previous matches with Bournemouth. United have won the last three meetings at Old Trafford and claimed a 5-2 victory in the most recent fixture back in 2020.
Players to watch
Marcus Rashford has been the standout player for Manchester United since the restart, scoring in his last three matches. The forward has also been on target in three of the last four meetings with Bournemouth and could be backed to maintain his scoring run at 7/4 with bet365.
Luke Shaw has also been impressive at the other end of the pitch, playing in an unnatural position as a makeshift centre-back. With goalkeeper David De Gea also looking almost unbeatable lately, Manchester United could be set for their fourth straight clean sheet at 20/21 with BoyleSports.
Anything else catch the eye?
Given Manchester United’s solid defence in recent weeks and with Bournemouth struggling for goals, BTTS NO could be considered at 10/11 with Paddy Power. Having won to nil in their last three matches, the Red Devils could be set for a similar outcome at 6/5 with Paddy Power.
Having claimed a 5-2 victory in the last meeting with Bournemouth, Manchester United can also be backed in the -2 handicap market at 2/1 with BetVictor.
This English Premier League match between Manchester United and Bournemouth will be played on Jan 3, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester United vs Bournemouth prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
