Manchester United travel to the southern coast of England this weekend to play against AFC Bournemouth in Premier League, Round 11.
United are looking to build on a fortnight which has been termed ‘resurgent’ by football pundits over the world. The Red Devils held league leaders Liverpool to a 1-1 draw and then beat FK Partizan in the Europa League, and also won comfortably at Carrow Road to beat Norwich City.
On Wednesday night, an extraordinary performance by Marcus Rashford saw them beat Chelsea 1-2 at Stamford Bridge to progress to the quarter finals of the League Cup. The Three Lions international scored a quite sensational free kick which evoked memories of a young Cristiano Ronaldo.
Bournemouth, on the other hand had the midweek rest after being knocked out of the League Cup by a shocking 2-0 loss to Burton Albion a month ago. The Cherries have not been able to replicate their attacking prowess of the yesteryear, but still sit 9th on the League table, just behind United, but only on goal difference. Strikers Joshua King and Callum Wilson are their prime sources of attacking returns but haven’t been able to find the back of the net in the last 3 games. Ryan Fraser has looked somewhat rusty this season, but Bournemouth still have Harry Wilson to try and unlock the United defense.
United have Anthony Martial back to full fitness and the Frenchman was on the scoring books last time out. Paul Pogba remains missing as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer suggested that the midfielder won’t be back on the field till mid December.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS:
Midfielder Dan Gosling could make his anticipated return as he comes back from a difficult times on the sidelines from a hip issue. Liverpool loanee Harry Wilson, who scored a quite sumptuous free against United last season with Derby County is expected to start alongside Philip Billing. Scotland international Ryan Fraser, who has his contract expiring at the end of the season, is set to start on the left flank. Callum Wilson and Norwegian Joshua King are to start upfront.
Predicted Line-Ups:
Ramsdale, Smith, Cook (C), Ake, Rico, Cook, Billing, Wilson, Fraser, Wilson, King 4-4-2
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has injury issues once again as Harry Maguire, Marcus Rashford and Victor Lindelof all picked up minor knocks following the win against Chelsea midweek. The Norwegian told reporters, “Its still early. Hope we can get them on the pitch tomorrow. [But] I can’t tell you exactly now”. Scott McTominay is the one to keep an eye on as the Scotland international has grows as a midfield mainstay for the Red Devils.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Dan James are also expected to be named in the starting eleven.
Predicted Line-Ups:
De Gea, Young (C), Lindelof, Maguire, Wan-Bissaka, McTominay, Fred, Rashford, Pereira, James, Martial 4-2-3-1
Referee: Chris Kavanagh
Venue: Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth (11329)
English Premier League, Round 11
Time: 12:30 GMT, Saturday
