Bournemouth aims to complete their first league double over United after their stunning 3-0 win in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford four months ago. United's hopes for a top-five finish and Champions League qualification are fading with just one win in their last six Premier League matches.
Despite some promising moments, United has faltered in recent games, including late drama in draws against Brentford and Liverpool, and a defeat to Chelsea. Pressure mounts on manager Erik ten Hag, especially with United sitting sixth in the table.
While Europa League qualification seems likely for United, they have an opportunity to turn things around with upcoming matches against more manageable opponents like Sheffield United, Burnley, and Crystal Palace.
Bournemouth, on the other hand, suffered a setback last weekend with a 2-1 defeat to Luton Town, ending their impressive five-game unbeaten run. However, they remain in a comfortable position in mid-table, with a top-seven finish still within reach.
Their home form has been solid, with just two defeats in their last 11 home league matches. Under manager Andoni Iraola, they've won their last three home games and aim to secure a fourth consecutive victory, a feat they've never achieved in the top-flight.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Bournemouth will be missing Tavernier, Luis Sinisterra, and Ryan Fredericks due to thigh and calf injuries, with Tavernier picking up his injury in the match against Luton last weekend. Tyler Adams, Antoine Semenyo, and Chris Mepham will undergo assessments before kickoff.Lloyd Kelly returned to the starting lineup last weekend, and Marcos Senesi made a substitute appearance, both defenders are likely to be available for Saturday's game.
In Tavernier's absence, either Dango Ouattara or Alex Scott could be brought in, while top scorer Dominic Solanke is expected to lead the attack.
For Manchester United, Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans are sidelined with muscle injuries, joining Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, and Anthony Martial in the treatment room.
Scott McTominay missed the draw against Liverpool due to an unspecified issue, while Marcus Rashford was substituted with a minor problem during the same game. Both players will be assessed before kickoff, along with Sofyan Amrabat, who was absent from training on Thursday.
Nineteen-year-old Willy Kambwala is likely to partner Harry Maguire in central defense, and Antony could be recalled on the right flank if Rashford is not fit to start.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Bournemouth possible starting lineup:Neto; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kelly; Christie, Cook; Semenyo, Scott, Kluivert; Solanke
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Dalot, Kambwala, Maguire, Wan-Bissaka; Casemiro, Mainoo; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
EXPERT PREDICTION
Bournemouth 2-2 Manchester United
Manchester United's resolve will face a serious challenge in the upcoming weeks as they can't afford any more slip-ups if they hope to maintain their faint hopes of finishing in the top five. Meanwhile, Bournemouth is in need of a return to winning form to ignite a late surge for a top-seven finish.
Although Bournemouth secured a comfortable victory against United in their previous encounter, this time, we anticipate a closely contested match with little to differentiate between the two sides. A score draw seems like a plausible outcome.
