The Premier League is set for an intriguing showdown this Sunday, as Manchester United travel to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth. With both teams having different goals in mind for the remainder of the season, this match promises to offer plenty of drama, especially for the hosts, who are still in the hunt for a European spot.
For Bournemouth, this is a crucial match as they sit in a tight cluster of teams fighting for that coveted eighth place in the table, which could potentially secure them a spot in next season’s European competition. While United, on the other hand, have one eye firmly fixed on their Europa League semi-final clash with Athletic Club next Thursday. With both teams in contrasting circumstances, it’s hard to predict just how this one will unfold, but it promises to be a thrilling encounter nonetheless.
Let’s take a closer look at the teams, their form, and what we can expect from Sunday’s match.
Bournemouth’s European Ambitions: A Crucial Match for the Cherries
Bournemouth have had a somewhat solid season under Andoni Iraola, though their form has been a bit up and down in recent weeks. Despite some disappointing results, they are still in the mix for a European spot, with eighth place in the Premier League potentially offering a lifeline to Europa Conference League football next season.
After a goalless draw against Crystal Palace last time out, Bournemouth are feeling the pressure to pick up points, especially as they’ve slipped a few spots in the standings. While they have a solid squad capable of surprising any team, their form in front of goal has been inconsistent, and with injuries affecting key players, they’ll need a strong performance to get the better of Manchester United.
Bournemouth’s attack will be led by Evanilson, who has been in decent form. However, the likes of Philip Billing and Dominik Szoboszlai will be sorely missed, leaving a potential gap in the creative midfield. Nevertheless, Bournemouth will be buoyed by their home advantage and a desire to continue their European push.
Manchester United’s Focus Shifting to Europa League
While Bournemouth will be focused on securing a top-eight finish in the league, Manchester United will be turning their attention towards the Europa League semi-final clash against Athletic Club. Ruben Amorim, United‘s manager, has already stated that he will prioritise the Europa League, meaning Sunday’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth could see several changes to the starting lineup.
After a narrow 1-0 loss to Wolves last weekend, United‘s Premier League form has taken a hit. But the Red Devils’ focus now shifts towards Europe, where they’ll need to find their best form if they want to progress to the final. Despite this, United still have a solid team capable of making an impact on Sunday. Bruno Fernandes will remain the key figure in midfield, while Rasmus Højlund is expected to lead the line in attack.
United’s squad will be slightly weakened due to injuries. Lisandro Martínez, Amad Diallo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Toby Collyer are all unavailable, and the fitness of Diogo Dalot is a concern, leaving United slightly thin in defense. However, the likes of Mason Mount and Luke Shaw could feature, with Shaw potentially making his first start of the season in this match.
With an eye on Thursday’s Europa League semi-final, Amorim will likely make changes to ensure his star players are fresh for the big European clash. The question remains, will United’s rotated squad be able to perform and claim all three points against a motivated Bournemouth?
What Time Does Bournemouth vs Man Utd Kick-Off?
- Location: Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth, England
- Date: Sunday, 27 April 2025
- Kick-off Time: 14:00 BST / 09:00 ET / 06:00 PT
- Referee: Peter Bankes
- VAR: John Brooks
This clash will kick off at 14:00 BST, and fans are expecting a match full of intensity and passion, with plenty riding on the outcome for both teams.
Bournemouth vs Man Utd Head-to-Head Record
In the last five encounters between these two teams, the record is almost perfectly split, with both Bournemouth and Manchester United winning two matches apiece, and one match ending in a draw. However, the most recent meeting between these two teams was a dominant 3-0 win for Bournemouth at Old Trafford in December 2024, a result that left United fans disappointed.
This result will certainly still be fresh in the minds of the Manchester United squad, and they will be keen to exact revenge on Bournemouth. However, given United’s current form and squad rotation, it could be a much closer contest this time around.
Bournemouth Team News and Predicted Lineup
As mentioned, Bournemouth are dealing with a few key injuries heading into this match. Enes Ünal is out for the season, while Ryan Christie and Luis Sinisterra are nursing injuries of their own, which could hinder their ability to put out their best lineup.
Bournemouth’s midfield will be led by Lewis Cook, although his fitness is in question after he picked up a knock during their match at Crystal Palace. Should he miss out, Philip Billing may be asked to take on a more prominent role.
The Cherries are expected to play with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kepa in goal, and Ilya Zabarnyi and Levi Huijsen playing at center-back. Philip Billing and Jefferson Lerma are expected to be the holding midfielders, while Dango Ouattara and Jens Kluivert could play wide, with Evanilson leading the attack.
Bournemouth Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Kepa
- Right-back: Adam Smith
- Center-back: Ilya Zabarnyi
- Center-back: Levi Huijsen
- Left-back: Milos Kerkez
- Midfielders: Philip Billing, Jefferson Lerma
- Attacking Midfielders: Dango Ouattara, Jens Kluivert, Marcus Tavernier
- Striker: Evanilson
Manchester United Team News and Predicted Lineup
For Manchester United, the main concern is the squad rotation, with Europa League being the priority for Amorim. As a result, several key players will likely be rested for this match. Bruno Fernandes is expected to start in midfield, while Rasmus Højlund will likely continue as the central striker.
The biggest change in the lineup will likely be at the back, with Luke Shaw potentially making his first start of the season as a central defender. With Lisandro Martínez, Amad Diallo, and Toby Collyer all out, United‘s defense will be slightly patched up. Mason Mount could return to an advanced midfield position, while Victor Lindelöf and Vanja Dorgu will likely partner up in central defense.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1)
- Goalkeeper: André Onana
- Right-back: Noussair Mazraoui
- Center-back: Victor Lindelöf
- Center-back: Luke Shaw
- Left-back: Dorgu
- Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo
- Attacking Midfielders: Mason Mount, Alejandro Garnacho
- Striker: Rasmus Højlund
Bournemouth vs Man Utd Score Prediction
Bournemouth will be desperate to claim the three points as they fight for a spot in Europe, while Manchester United are likely to be more focused on their Europa League campaign, with a weaker squad fielded for this match. This could play right into the hands of Bournemouth, who will be buoyed by the prospect of upsetting a United side that might not be at full strength.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Manchester United
With Bournemouth fighting for European contention and United focused on the bigger prize in Europe, expect a spirited performance from the home side, who could very well come out on top in this one.
