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“I have been wrong about them so many times”
BBC pundit and former Blackburn Rovers striker Chris Sutton has predicted a close win for Manchester United when they take on AFC Bournemouth this weekend. The Red Devils will travel to the Vitality Stadium for a Premier League fixture against the Cherries on Saturday, May 20.
Despite suffering a few hiccups, United are still fourth in the standings with 66 points from 35 matches. They are a point clear of fifth-placed Liverpool, who have played a game more, and simply cannot afford any more hiccups.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, have secured top-flight status for another season thanks to some brilliant displays under Gary O’Neil. They are 14th in the table with 39 points from 36 matches, eight clear of 18th-placed Leeds United.
Manchester United’s away form has been dismal this term, but Bournemouth have only won six of their 18 league games at the Vitality Stadium. Sutton believes Erik ten Hag’s side will pick up a 2-1 win in Saturday’s match and wrote in his prediction column for the BBC:
“At the start of the season, Manchester United would have taken being in fourth place with three games to go, let alone with the Carabao Cup in the bag and the FA Cup final to come.
“Their away form has become a bit of a concern but I do think the fact the Bournemouth are safe from the drop will help Erik ten Hag’s side here.”
The 1994-95 Premier League winner added:
“I have been really impressed by the Cherries and I have been wrong about them so many times that don’t want to just write them off again – but you can probably guess what I am going to say next.
“I am going with United to win, because of what is at stake for them. Two wins from their last three games will guarantee a top-four finish and they will be desperate to get over the line, with Liverpool in form and on their tail. It won’t be easy, but I am backing United to get one of them here.”
Manchester United will enter this match after a 2-0 home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in their last league game. Anthony Martial and Alejandro Garnacho scored to get their team just a second win in five matches.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, fell to a 2-0 defeat away to Crystal Palace in their last match, which marked their second straight loss.
Manchester United swept Bournemouth aside when they met earlier this season
Saturday’s match will be the second Premier League meeting between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth. They previously clashed horns at Old Trafford in January this year.
On that occasion, United ran out comfortable 3-0 winners. Casemiro put the Red Devils ahead after 23 minutes from Christian Eriksen’s header. Luke Shaw then scored just four minutes after half-time to make it 2-0.
Marcus Rashford added a third in the 86th minute to wrap up a comfortable victory for the hosts.
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