Manchester United will struggle against Bournemouth on Saturday (12.30pm), and will be forced to settle for a point, claimed former Red Devil Michael Owen.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will likely feel the effects of playing a number of away matches in succession, and their winning run will finally buckle at the Vitality Stadium this weekend, he said.
United go into the tie after away trips to Partizan Belgrade, Norwich City and Chelsea.
But, they’ve also picked up three wins from three during those ties, and go into the clash against Bournemouth in excellent form.
But, after going seven months without an away win, the long journeys will eventually take its toll, warned Owen.
“United have built on their hard-earned point against Liverpool with away wins against Partizan Belgrade in the Europa League, Norwich City in the Premier League, [and Chelsea in the Carabao Cup],” he told BetVictor.
“Four away games in nine games is likely to take its toll, however, and I think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will have to settle for a point in Saturday’s early kick-off at the Vitality Stadium.
“Bournemouth have failed to score in their last three league games, but I expect it to be honours even on the south coast.”
United are level on points with Bournemouth going into the weekend’s fixtures, with both teams collecting 13 points from their opening 10 matches.
A win for Solskjaer could see them move up the table to fifth, if other results go their way.
They’re still seven points off the top four, and will need to continue their good form if they want to break back into the Champions League spots this season.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, aren’t in great form, and haven’t won a match since September 20.
Since then, they’ve lost 2-0 against Burton Albion in the Carabao Cup, and have picked up three points in the league from four matches.
The Cherries have only scored twice in their previous four league fixtures, including zero goals in their past three.
If United are to pick up three points against Bournemouth on Saturday, they’ll have to do it without three of their regular squad members.
Axel Tuanzebe, Nemanja Matic and Luke Shaw are all unavailable for the trip to the south coast through injury.
