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( votes)Bournemouth v Manchester Utd – Cherries can topple Red Devils
The Cherries are on course for another big Premier League scalp and face another top team tomorrow whose manager is under pressure. Last weekend relegation tipped Bournemouth toppled champions Chelsea and in the process made Jose Mourinho’s position as boss more precarious. Saturday evening brings Louis Van Gaal’s side to town and the Dutchman is under severe pressure to turn around his side’s fortunes following a series of 0-0 draws and the embarrassment of their Champions League exit midweek against Wolfsburg.
HELLISH FOR RED DEVILS
Manchester United may be near the top of the EPL but fans are far from happy and Van Gaal’s famous ‘philosophy’ is under increasing attack from supporters who want to see more of exactly that – “attack, attack, attack!”. It’s been a hellish week for the Red Devils so online football tipsters may expect a reaction from the side, while Van Gaal remains philosophical: “You can lose and you can win in sport – you have to accept that, he said. “As a manager, you have to work very hard and I am working very hard, as are my players. “So the problem is that we have to meet with the expectations, and the expectations at a club like United are very high.”
‘IT’S IN OUR HANDS’
Should he fail to achieve a top-three finish this season Van Gaal could be shown the door and Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe knows his team will be in for another big test come kick-off at 17.30 (GMT). “We know how difficult this game will be, we know the level we have to get to to compete,” said Howe. “All I would say is that hopefully if we can match those levels [from the Chelsea game] again, it is in our hands. “We are proud to be hosting Manchester United. It’s a big game in this club’s history.”
CHERRIES READY TO PICK UTD APART
United could be there for the picking and the Cherries already boosted by their win against Chelsea will draw further confidence from the visitors growing injury list. Chris Smalling and Matteo Damian became the latest to suffer with both picking up injuries against Wolfsburg to make it nine United players in the treatment room. Antonio Valencia and Marcos Rojo became the latest nig names to go under the surgeon’s knife while captain Wayne Rooney, Phil Jones, Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera are also sidelined.
SCHWEINSTEIGER SUSPENDED
Better news for Van Gaal is the recovery of Morgan Schneiderlein after the hip injury that had ruled him out. The midfielder’s availability is even more important given the three game suspension picked up by Bastian Schweinsteiger which rules him out. Bournemouth have had their own injuries to contend with but can call on Adam Federici and Mark Pugh after their recovery from injuries. Goalkeeper Artur Boruc has a knee injury but is expected to play but the match is probably too early for the returning Lee Tomlin and Christian Atsu.
By: Joe Cahal