This football preview sees another round of Premier League fixtures this Saturday.

The first match sees EFL Cup Champions Manchester United face Bournemouth at Old Trafford, with Jose Mourinho's side on a phenomenal run and looking to make the most of the game in hand they have on their rivals.

Bournemouth are on the opposite end of the form guide, they have really struggled for any wins, they have in fact lost six of their last seven matches and need a win.

Manchester United vs Bournemouth – Saturday 4th March 2017 – 12:30 - Sky Sports 1

Manchester United

Manchester United face Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Saturday, with United looking to register their first win after Sunday's cup triumph.

Jose Mourinho's side come into the match on the back of another win, this time a 3-2 win against Southampton in the EFL Cup final.

It was another excellent all round performance from United, who really are grinding out results despite a huge fixture pile up.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (19) scored the opening goal of the game, his 23rd goal of the season was an excellent free kick.

Jesse Lingard (38) scored his second goal in a final, after last years goal in the FA Cup final.

Southampton found a way back into the match in the first half, with Manolo Gabbiadini scoring his third goal in as many games (45+1).

The Italian scored from close range (48) to level the scoring for the Saints, who were sensing an unlikely victory.

But Zlatan Ibrahimovic (87) scored his 24th of the season and his second of the night, to give Mourinho his first trophy as United manager.

United Imperious

Jose Mourinho's side are in excellent form, they have won their last six successive matches in all competitions.

The win in the EFL Cup means they have bagged the first trophy of the season, they are still competing on three fronts.

They have enjoyed a rare gap between matches, with the Red Devils enjoying a five day break after the cup final.

Red's Favourites

Manchester United come into the game as favourites, with their pedigree and recent form informing the odds.

This is a vital match for United, especially as Liverpool were on the back of a poor result on Monday evening.

Manchester United will be looking to continue their fine record over Bournemouth. In 3 matches they have won 2 and lost 1.

Manchester United are 1/4 with  Zlatan Ibrahimovic at 9/4 to open the scoring.

Can United bounce back from their opening defeat against Feyenoord?

Bournemouth Desperate

Bournemouth come into this match on the back of another defeat, this time a 2-1 defeat against West Brom.

Joshua King (5) opened the scoring for the Cherries from the penalty spot, with the visitors making the perfect start.

That was as good as it got for Bournemouth though, with the Baggies showcasing their excellent form this season.

Craig Dawson (10) equalised just five minutes later, after poor defensive work from Bournemouth.

Defender Gareth McAuley scored the winner in just the 21st minute, consigning Eddie Howe to another defeat.

Poor Run Must End

Bournemouth have been in a poor run of form, they have lost six of their last seven matches in the Premier League.

They have been beaten by West Brom, Man City, Everton, Crystal Palace, Hull and Millwall, with Watford the only point they have gained.

They find themselves in 14th position, just four points above the relegation zone, they will need to rediscover the art of winning.

Huge Match For Howe

The Cherries go into this match as the underdogs, with their appalling form informing the odds.

Bournemouth will be looking to end their losing run in style, with a win against in form United very unlikely.

Bournemouth will be looking to better their overall record against United. In 3 matches, they have won one and lost two.

Bournemouth are 10/1 with Joshua King at 12/1 to open the scoring.

 

The second match of this preview sees Stoke take on Middlesbrough at the Bet365 Stadium.

Mark Hughes men put in another pitiful performance against Tottenham last weekend, as they lost by 4-0, the same margin of defeat in their last three fixtures against that opposition.

Standing in their way is a Middlesbrough side who have had a poor season in front of goal, defensively they have been organised and excellent but throughout the season they have struggled in front of goal and as a result are in a relegation battle.

Stoke vs Middlesbrough – Saturday 4th March 2017 – 15:00

Stoke

Stoke face Middlesbrough at the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday, with Stoke looking to bounce back after another poor performance.

Stoke come into this match on the back of a 4-0 defeat against Tottenham, a scoreline that they are used to against Tottenham.

Harry Kane scored a first half hat-trick, with the England striker scoring three in the space of 23 minutes.

His goals in the 14th, 32nd and 37th minute helped Tottenham to a 3-0 lead, it's his 9th Premier League hat-trick.

Dele Alli (45+1) put his midweek red card firmly behind him, with an excellent goal to give Spurs a 4-0 win inside the first half.

Consistency Needed

It was another poor performance against Spurs, Stoke have now lost the last three encounters by 4-0.

Their record in the last six has been even, they have won, lost and drawn two matches in that sequence.

Given that the Premier League is the only thing they have left to play for, a refreshed squad should have challenged Tottenham.

They will be looking to produce a far better result and performance against Middlesbrough, with a top ten finish in their sights.

The Potters find themselves in 10th position in the Premier League, falling behind West Ham United.

Stoke Favourites

Mark Hughes' side come into this match as favourites, despite their poor performance in the last fixture.

Stoke will need to be far more clinical in front of goal, with Middlesbrough resolute in defence but struggling to score.

The Potters will be looking to draw on the 2008/09 season, when they last beat Middlesbrough in the Premier League.

Stoke are 19/20 with Peter Crouch, Saido Berahino and Marko Arnautovic at 5/1 to score first.

Stoke Bet365Boro Desperate

Middlesbrough come into this match on the back of a 1-0 defeat, with Sam Allardyce's Crystal Palace beating them.

Patrick van Aanholt (34) scored what proved to be the only goal of the game, with the Dutchman cooly slotting into the bottom corner.

It was an excellent finish, slotting past an entire defence with the box crowded and beating Valdes to make it 1-0.

The result means that Middlesbrough extend their winless run in the Premier League, they desperately need wins.

Middlesbrough In Poor Form

Aitor Karanka's side have struggled this season, their defence has been excellent but they have struggled up front.

They have looked rudderless up front, that was in evidence again as they failed to trouble the scorers.

Karanka will be desperate to secure a result, they are deep in trouble near the bottom of the Premier League.

Boro Need Form

Middlesbrough come into this match as the underdogs, with home advantage holding sway with the bookies.

Boro will need to end their woes in front of goal, they find themselves 17th in the Premier League.

They will be looking to continue their overall record against Stoke, they have won 26, lost 20 and drawn 13 of their 59 matches.

Middlesbrough are 16/5 with Alvaro Negredo at 7/1 to open the scoring.

 

The final match of this preview sees Leicester take on Hull City at the King Power Stadium.

The hosts Leicester showed no ill effects from the poor sacking of Claudio Ranieri with a 3-1 demolition of Liverpool on Monday night. The Foxes players should have a long hard look at themselves, it was a performance they should have delivered far earlier in the piece.

Hull have been a much improved side under new manager Marco Silva, they have shown resilience, guts and skill that were not apparent under Mike Phelan for large parts. Their performances mean they stand a very realistic chance of avoiding the drop, although this game is huge in the context of their season.

Leicester vs Hull – Saturday 4th March 2017 – 15:00

Leicester

Leicester welcome Hull to the King Power this Saturday, with the team having rediscovered form after the Ranieri sacking.

The Foxes come into this match on the back of a 3-1 win against Liverpool, with the Foxes returning to winning ways.

Jamie Vardy (28) opened the scoring for Leicester, with Vardy running in behind to give the Foxes a deserved lead.

Danny Drinkwater (39) doubled the advantage in the first half, with a stunning strike from outside the box.

Vardy scored his second goal of the game and Leicester's third (60), with the Foxes in dreamland.

Philippe Coutinho (68) got one back for the visitors, but in truth Liverpool were absolutely shocking.

Life Without Ranieri

That result was on the back of Ranieri's sacking, despite the result the Leicester players should be hanging their heads in shame.

It was the Leicester of last season that returned, it's a shame that they never showed that class under Ranieri this season.

The result ensures that the Foxes leap out of the relegation zone with immediate effect, with Leicester moving to 24 points.

Leicester now find themselves in 16th position, just two points and two places above the relegation zone.

Leicester Favourites

The Foxes come into this match as favourites, the home advantage crucial in this match especially after the Liverpool result.

Leicester come into this match in poor form, despite winning their last match in emphatic style.

Leicester will be looking to better their overall record against Hull, they are level on wins with Hull, both sides winning six.

Leicester are 17/20 with Islam Slimani and Jamie Vardy at 9/2 to score first.

LeicesterBack To Business

The Tigers come into this match on the back of a battling draw, this time against Burnley at the KCOM Stadium.

Tom Huddlestone (72) opened the scoring from the penalty spot, with the home side responding well to the Arsenal defeat.

Michael Keane (76) equalised for the visitors just four minutes later, with Burnley looking for their first away win.

To add insult to injury Ashley Barnes saw red in the 92nd minute, but Burnley held on for a share of the spoils.

It was another solid performance from Hull, who look in excellent form under Marco Silva.

Spirit In The Camp

Hull appear to have found some fight under new manager Marco Silva, with the Portuguese giving the Tigers added grit.

They currently sit 19th in the Premier League table, with only Sunderland below them.

The main aim of the season will be to remain in the top flight, if they can maintain their form of late they will have a great chance.

Three Points Needed

Hull come into this match as the underdogs, with their recent form and home advantage informing those odds.

This will be a tough match for the Tigers, especially after the Foxes emphatic result against Liverpool on Monday.

Hull will be looking to draw on their result against Leicester in the opening match, where they won 2-1.

Hull are 100/30 with Oumar Niasse, Abel Hernandez and Dieumerci Mbokani at 7/1 to open the scoring.

 

Betting Tips

Tip 1 – Martial to score first @ 5/1 and Manchester United to win 3-1 @ 10/1

Tip 2 – Arnautovic to score first @ 5/1 and Stoke to win 2-1 @ 8/1

Tip 3 – Vardy to score first @ 9/2 and Leicester to win 2-1 @ 15/2

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