Manchester United travel down to the south coast tomorrow night for their game against Bournemouth.
United will go into this game off a 1-0 home loss to bottom of the table, West Bromwich Albion, with the loss subsequently confirming their neighbours, Manchester City, as Premier League champions.
The loss was also their first in five games, having won each of their last games and they will be looking to bounce back to winning ways.
Bournemouth also go into this game off the back of a 3-0 away loss at Liverpool, having been unbeaten in their last two. Howe’s men however have only won just once in their last five games and they will be looking to go back to winning ways in tomorrow’s fixture.
United are also aiming to overcome the disappointment at the weekend as they attempt to secure their first ever league double over Bournemouth. In the reverse fixture, United were the victors thanks to a Romelu Lukaku goal at Old Trafford.
Mourinho’s men will look to extend their gap in second place (71), ahead of Liverpool in third, who are just a point (70) behind. Whilst he is adamant he will get the job done, he has also confirmed he will make changes to his side for the game tomorrow.
The Cherries sit in 11th place, 10 points clear from the relegation zone and they will be looking to extend that gap, ensuring their stay in the league for another year.
Ahead of the game, we have picked out some key battles that may decide how the game is won and lost.
Romelu Lukaku vs Nathan Ake
Romelu Lukaku will look to continue where he left off after his goal in the reverse fixture. His goal was one of the six goals he has scored in his five appearances against Bournemouth and there is no doubt he will be a goal threat. Lukaku can also play as the provider of goals due to his hold up play. His presence upfront attracts defenders to commit into challenges leaving spaces for the United wingers or forward to attack.
Jesse Lingard vs Lewis Cook
Jesse Lingard is having a terrific season for United in his new number 10 role. He is involved in most of the United attack and there is a certainty he will start in tomorrow’s game. Lingard is United’s second top scorer this season with 14 goals in all competitions and he will also be another goal threat.
Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook looks to be the man that will tasked with marking Lingard. Cook plays in the midfield position, just in front of the back four and it may possibly be that he will be man-marking Lingard throughout the game. The England under 21’s international has been having an excellent season since his introduction to the match day squad.
Antonio Valencia vs Josh King
Josh King tends to play on the left side of Bournemouth’s attack. He is skilful, very quick on the ball and he likes to cut in onto his stronger right foot, attracting opposition defenders to commit challenges. He is also a clinical finisher and will be a goal threat throughout the game.
Should King start out wide, Antonio Valencia is set to be the man tasked with marking duties. Valencia has established himself as one the best right fullbacks in the league, his physical abilities and athleticism may prove to be the key that wins his side all three points. Valencia is also an attack minded fullback. He will always be looking to join in on the attack, forcing Bournemouth’s left winger to be in deep positions at all times. He also has an eye for goal.
David De Gea vs Callum Wilson
Callum Wilson may return to the starting line up for Bournemouth, to bring strength and speed to their attack. Wilson is very strong on the ball and will always look to bring players in on the attack. He is also a threat when running on to through balls due to his speed and isn’t shy from testing the keeper from distance.
David De Gea has established himself as the best shot stopper with a numerous amount point blank saves he has pulled off this season. He has kept his team in the game for large parts of their games and he will be very much aware of the presence of Wilson, should he start in the game tomorrow.
