AFC Bournemouth vs Manchester United Predictions

• Manchester United have won six of their last seven league matches against Bournemouth
• Aston Villa re the only team in the top half of the Premier League to have scored fewer goals than Manchester United
• Five of United’s last seven away league matches have featured fewer than three goals

Bournemouth can afford to take it easy

Many believed it would be a formality that Bournemouth would be relegated this season and that feeling was being aired just a few weeks ago, but the Cherries have secured their top-flight status which means there should be a party at their final home league game of the season against Manchester United.

Gary O’Neil’s side have done exactly what they needed to in the closing weeks of the campaign when five wins from their last nine matches will have exceeded expectations.

A last-gasp win at Tottenham was an unexpected bonus, but wins against strugglers Southampton, Leeds and Leicester, all of whom could go down, has meant the job has been done.

However, the problem is that it is now time to relax and that makes them vulnerable against United, who cannot afford to rest as they look to secure Champions League football for next season.

Still plenty for United to do

Liverpool have posted seven successive wins and are now breathing down United’s neck in the race for fourth spot, so the Red Devils cannot afford to slip up if they want to be dining at Europe’s top table next term.

The need for a victory is also more pressing as Jurgen Klopp’s side have a goal-difference superiority of 18, helped by their recent 7-0 victory over United at Anfield.

There will be concerns that United have not won any of their last four away games – the last two were 1-0 defeats to Brighton and West Ham – but there looks a good chance they will be able to put that right against the Cherries, who were unable to muster a shot on target in their 2-0 loss at Crystal Palace last week.

One goal may prove to be enough for United but they should get the job done at just the time when they need a victory the most.

Eriksen can make a contribution

United will hope top marksman Marcus Rashford will be available after injury, but one player who could be an interesting anytime-scorer selection is midfielder Christian Eriksen.

You have to go back to December to find the last time the Danish midfielder was on the scoresheet, but he has had 20 efforts on goal in his last ten appearances and he could be on hand to give his team what could be a vital strike.