The Premier League season was extended by just over 48hrs after the bomb scare at Old Trafford forced the Manchester United vs Bournemouth match to be postponed. The match will now take place on Tuesday night and will act as the curtain closer on the season.
We now know that this is a nothing match for both sides in terms of future qualification or anything but whether a match can have nothing on it when it is played out in front of 75,000 people I’m not entirely sure!
Man Utd
Louis van Gaal had actually named a strong squad for the match on Sunday but you’ve got to think that now his side know their fate and with the FA Cup final two days nearer he will name a totally different side having been given permission to do so.
He does have some injuries to deal with. Marcos Rojo and Matteo Darmian are doubts having not been named in Sunday’s side while Marouane Fellaini is suspended. Luke Shaw Bastian Schweinsteiger and Adnan Januzaj are all out injured too.
Although United can’t reach the Champions League anymore I’m sure they will want to end their home campaign on a high and send the supporters into next season a little happier especially if they then go on to win the cup at the weekend.
Bournemouth
Eddie Howe had actually named a much stronger side than I thought he might on Sunday and there are no natural reasons why he should change that side going into this rearranged fixture.
The likes of Callum Wilson, Matt Ritchie, Harry Arter and Tommy Elphick were all in the side and even if Howe does choose to change it up a bit the bench he picked on Sunday was more than capable of being used without weakening the side too much.
This has been a good season for Bournemouth and I’m sure if they could find a win at Old Trafford that would be a massive thing for a club of their size as they look to push on for next season and beyond.
Betting
Man Utd are a lot bigger for this match than they were for the original game on Sunday and that is natural with their motivation lessening now. I’m not wanting to back them though until I’ve seen the team sheets although I probably don’t need to. I’d be amazed if anyone significant who will be playing on Saturday plays here. There is just no point to it.
A strong Bournemouth side taking on a potentially reserve or even younger Man Utd side might actually make for a better game. Whoever walks onto the pitch for United have cup final spots to fight for while I fancy Bournemouth will give this a good go before they head on their holidays.
I did think this match might be a bit tight and cagey on Sunday but I actually think it might be quite open and attacking now and as such I think the 8/11 on both teams to score looks a good bet. United will still have the players to cause problems while Bournemouth had that anyway. That looks a safe bet.
Tips
WON – Back Both teams to score for a 4/10 stake at 1.73 with 888sport
Back it here:
