"They can't afford any slip ups" – Mark Lawrenson warns Manchester United as he predicts Bournemouth result
Liverpool great Mark Lawrenson has predicted an easy 2-0 victory for Manchester United in their Premier League clash against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, May 20.
The Red Devils are facing a late challenge from arch-rivals Liverpool in the race to clinch a top-four spot in the ongoing 2022-23 campaign. They are currently fourth with 66 points from 35 games, a point ahead of the Reds.
The Old Trafford outfit have stumbled a bit of late, registering just two wins in their last five matches. However, they are considered favorites to qualify for the UEFA Champions League as they have a game in hand.
Bournemouth, on the other hand, are in 14th spot in the table with 39 points from 36 games. The Gary O'Neil-coached outfit have been in decent form, winning five matches out of their last nine outings.
In his column for Paddy Power, Lawrenson issued a warning to Manchester United ahead of their trip to Bournemouth. Highlighting how the Reds are breathing down on their necks in the league table, he wrote:
"Manchester United need to win this one. Bournemouth are safe from relegation, they've had a really good season but the Red Devils have got three games left now and they know that they can't afford any slip ups the way Liverpool are going [with seven wins in a row] just behind them in the Premier League table."
Erik ten Hag's side are likely to be without Lisandro Martinez, Donny van de Beek, and Marcel Sabitzer due to injuries, while Marcus Rashford is a doubt for the contest. Scott McTominay, however, could return to action against the Cherries.
Manchester United have an upper hand over Bournemouth in terms of head-to-head record. They have won nine of their last 10 Premier League meetings, with the exception being a narrow 1-0 away defeat in 2019.
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