Bournemouth v Man Utd Sunday 14th August 13:30

[SALTIRE]

All match discussion here.

 

[Pagnell]

United with an opening day gimme.

1-3

 

[AFCB_Mark]

We beat them at home last season Pags! Perhaps a very different looking United coming down this time though. Our win over LVG's United was up there with the best or certainly most satisfying results all last season, perhaps we can at least give them something to think about again?

Yeah it's a tough start, but may as well get them out the way first off, trying to fit those attacking options together and likely parachuting Pogba in, first game might be as good a time to play them as any this season. We also aren't sure what our first choice 11 and shape should be, and this will be a hard test of whatever we pick, but some variation on 4-3-3 seems likely. Back 4 with Chelsea's loanee Ake sitting in front, two ball carriers beside him, two out and out wingers and a centre forward to carry a threat on the counter.

Funny that we start the season with the side against whom we ended last, let's hope nothing unforeseen gets the game postponed hey..

 

[Pagnell]

We beat them at home last season Pags! Perhaps a very different looking United coming down this time though. Our win over LVG's United was up there with the best or certainly most satisfying results all last season, perhaps we can at least give them something to think about again?

Yeah it's a tough start, but may as well get them out the way first off, trying to fit those attacking options together and likely parachuting Pogba in, first game might be as good a time to play them as any this season. We also aren't sure what our first choice 11 and shape should be, and this will be a hard test of whatever we pick, but some variation on 4-3-3 seems likely. Back 4 with Chelsea's loanee Ake sitting in front, two ball carriers beside him, two out and out wingers and a centre forward to carry a threat on the counter.

Funny that we start the season with the side against whom we ended last, let's hope nothing unforeseen gets the game postponed hey..

And believe me, I'd love a repeat. Unfortunately, they're currently a completely different proposition. A combination of a Mourinho honeymoon period and again spending hundreds of millions on players (if the Pogba deal comes off) leads me to believe this will be an easy opening game for them. I can't see anything but a United victory.

 

[G-Dragon]

Spending 100 million every week, embarrassing if United don't win this.

 

[Nilsson]

I'd back us to win but I'm certainly not looking at this as a gimme. We're not 100% fit, Smalling is suspended, Mourinho is still trying to implement his ideas into the squad and Bournemouth are a good attacking side, I doubt many visiting teams will keep a clean sheet against them this season.

I'll go for an optimistic 2-1 to United, Rooney and Martial with the goals.

 

[Christian Slater]

I forsee a score draw. I'd be surprised if Pogba started, so that likely means Fellaini. Rooney needs to prove something already, so get might have a good game.

 

[danbylfc]

Pogba will go straight in and assist Zlatan for uniteds only goal after Ibe has already bagged his hat trick 3-1 the cherries

 

[Stevencc]

Pogba will go straight in and assist Zlatan for uniteds only goal after Ibe has already bagged his hat trick 3-1 the cherries

If we are destined to lose this one then I hope your scenario is the way it goes down. I've got Ibe and Zlatan in my fantasy side.

 

[PDS]

Last year's win over United was hugely satisfying and one I'll never forget. Sits just behind last years win over Mourinho in my season highlights. Would love Eddie to beat him again of course, but I really really can't see it.

We have one (yes one!) recognised centre back currently so Zlatan will have a field day, our only chance to is to hammer them on the counter with our frightening pace.

Our start doesn't get any easier with the first game at the Olympic stadium coming next Sunday, so even if we can nick a point to get us off the mark it would be huge. Sadly I get the feeling we'll not only lose, but United may be in the mood to send out a message to the league

 

[Mone 1926]

Are Gradel and Wilson available ?

 

[AFCB_Mark]

Are Gradel and Wilson available ?

Yes, should be. Both have played more or less complete pre seasons.

 

[Mone 1926]

Yes, should be. Both have played more or less complete pre seasons.

In the Whoscored PL Guide, Bournemouth uses 4-4-2 with Gradel and Ibe as wings and Wilson-Afobe as strikers. I don't think so, I think that 4-3-3 (with Gradel and Ibe near Wilson) is more likely than that. Don't you think so ?

 

[AFCB_Mark]

In the Whoscored PL Guide, Bournemouth uses 4-4-2 with Gradel and Ibe as wings and Wilson-Afobe as strikers. I don't think so, I think that 4-3-3 (with Gradel and Ibe near Wilson) is more likely than that. Don't you think so ?

Far be it for me to second guess Howe, but I think you're correct. 4-3-3 with one of Wilson or Afobe up front, and two from Ibe, Gradel, King will play either side.

 

[JimJams]

Apparently Pogba is suspended for this game due to accumulating cards at Juve. Odd.

 

[G-Dragon]

Apparently Pogba is suspended for this game due to accumulating cards at Juve. Odd.

Banned due to the number of yellow cards he received in Copa Italia, which transferred over.

 

[AFCB_Mark]

Banned due to the number of yellow cards he received in Copa Italia, which transferred over.

Find that really strange, cards crossing over countries / leagues / governing body. But I'm sure United will be plenty powerful regardless.

 

[Nilsson]

2 yellow cards in the Coppa Italia from last season = 1 game suspension in the PL in the new season?

The scouse conspiracy continues, Ferguson managed to overcome it, hopefully Jose does too.

 

[G-Dragon]

Excuses already?

 

[silvergull]

It's not really relevant is it? Pogba wouldn't have played surely? 4 days training isn't exactly great preparation

 

[Renegade]

He probably would have been paraded for 10 minutes at the end of the game for the travelling fans, it's not an issue. Strange one - I'm sure it's happened before to players moving to another league, but it's the first time I've ever seen that rule...

Think this will end in an edgy victory, United still have a lot of gelling to do, it will be a month or two before they get into a proper rhythm under Mourinho.

 

[PDS]

Giving this a watch this afternoon. Enough to get me excited and maybe even a bit optimistic about Sunday:

 

[SALTIRE]

Ibe to get a hat-trick. 4 - 1 Bournemouth

 

[snortingfrogs]

AFCB 2 - 1 Man Utd.

 

[Christian Slater]

A proper job. Take note Steven.

 

[Stevencc]

Fellaini holding and no Mkhitaryan

Rooney playing

 

[G-Dragon]

Giggs, Rooney and now Martial...United certainly have a type. Disgusting.

 

[Stevencc]

Mataaaaa!

 

[G-Dragon]

United fluking already

 

[Stevencc]

A solid if unspectacular half.