Both Bournemouth and Manchester United suffered defeats in the Premier League last weekend, the former is one you would arguably expect after Eddie Howe’s man travelled to Anfield, but the same cannot be said for the latter.
It was West Brom’s shock win at Old Trafford last Sunday which meant that Manchester City were finally crowned league champions. A defeat that came just eight days after United’s impressive win the Manchester derby.
It is almost as if that win was all for nothing, as for as good as they were against Pep Guardiola’s men they were nowhere near that level when the Premier League’s basement side delivered one of the upsets of the seasons.
With an FA Cup Semi-final on the horizon, Jose Mourinho will not only be hoping that his side can bounce back in the best possible way but that they can also give themselves the ideal preparations for Saturday’s clash with Tottenham.
Standing in their way is a Bournemouth side who start this game 11th in the table and some 10 points clear of the relegation zone. The threat of sliding into the bottom three between now and the campaign is probably an unlikely one.
That said though they will look to confirm their status with a win at the Vitality Stadium, as for a club of their stature the higher they can finish up the table the more prize money they will receive for their efforts.
This in turn means that they can have more money at their disposal for when the transfer window re-opens this Summer, so although it may look like something of a dead rubber on paper there is still plenty to play for.
The Cherries have not won any of their last three matches, a run that has seen them slip into the bottom half of the table. In that run they have earned two points from nine and have been the masters of the late goal after snatching draws against both Watford and Crystal Palace.
Unfortunately for them they had no late goal up their sleeve last Saturday when Liverpool made light work of them on Merseyside. In essence though it was something of a free hit for Bournemouth, so they should not be too disappointed by their efforts.
They will also be grateful that they have got as many points on the board that they have, as their end of season run in is not all that favourable. Liverpool and Manchester United in back to back fixtures is far from ideal but with their current Premier League standing they should not have too many worries either.
The work for Bournemouth is almost done for the season, just one more win will make sure of that. However, I’m not sure it is one that will earn when the Red Devils come to town. The only thing that could go in their favour is United’s Cup semi final which is on the horizon.
Jose Mourinho may well decide to rest key players especially with the race for the top four already all but run, the result could be decided by just how strong United are on the South Coast. That said Manchester United are favourites to pick up a win.