Bournemouth v United: The essential info

Since the last international break, the Reds have beaten Newcastle United and Everton at home, and were very close to winning at Chelsea before Ross Barkley’s late equaliser in a 2-2 draw.

However, Jose Mourinho’s men will undoubtedly face a tough test at the Vitality Stadium in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off, against the high-flying Cherries who are also undefeated in their last three league outings.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game…

WHAT'S THE TEAM NEWS?
The boss confirmed to the media on Friday that Jesse Lingard and Alexis Sanchez are ready for the game, after improving their fitness in training during the week, but Diogo Dalot, Marouane Fellaini and Antonio Valencia are still sidelined. "Dalot and Fellaini, they are still out," Mourinho told MUTV. "The only one that went one step behind was Antonio Valencia with some problem in his knee, but Lingard and Alexis, now I can say 'ready'." 

HOW ABOUT BOURNEMOUTH?
Cherries manager Eddie Howe also stated in his pre-match press conference that former United forward Josh King will miss a third successive match due to an ankle injury. King’s absence will be a big miss for Bournemouth, as the Norwegian has scored four goals and registered one assist in nine Premier League appearances already this season. Club captain Simon Francis is also an injury doubt.

EH: "We're okay for team news. Josh King will definitely miss out, which is a blow. We'll also have to make a late call on Simon Francis, but we're quietly confident he may make the game." pic.twitter.com/62Slo3ESA8

— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) 2 November 2018

HOW ARE BOURNEMOUTH DOING?
The Cherries have made a hugely impressive start to the campaign and sit sixth in the Premier League table, after recording six wins, two draws and just two defeats - against Burnley and unbeaten Chelsea - from their first 10 league games. Eddie Howe's side also booked a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Chelsea, after beating Championship side Norwich City 2-1 at home on Tuesday night. The game has added importance considering the Cherries are currently three points ahead of seventh-placed United, meaning a win on Saturday could take the Reds level with our opponents. However, it won’t be an easy task considering that Bournemouth are unbeaten at home so far this term.

WHAT'S OUR OVERALL RECORD AGAINST BOURNEMOUTH LIKE?
Historically, United have an impressive record against the Cherries, registering nine wins, three draws and just two defeats in 14 matches across all competitions, stretching back to the first in 1949. In the Premier League era, the Reds' record is even better, having won four of the six encounters between the two teams. Our only defeat was a 2-1 loss at the Vitality Stadium in December 2015, when goals from King and Junior Stansislas gave the hosts victory, after Marouane Fellaini had equalised for United. Last season, Mourinho's men completed the double over Bournemouth, winning 1-0 at Old Trafford thanks to Romelu Lukaku’s header in mid-December. Lukaku was also on target again, as well as Chris Smalling, in a 2-0 win on our last visit to Dorset back in April and the Belgian striker will be hoping to add to his fine tally of eight goals in five previous career appearances against the Cherries. Watch the goals from last season's meetings below... 

PAYING RESPECT
The Premier League has confirmed that all players will wear black armbands during this weekend's games and there will be a minute's silence before kick-off, as a mark of respect to Leicester City following the devastating events of last weekend. The club's owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and four other people lost their lives in a helicopter crash outside the King Power Stadium. As it is also Bournemouth's final home game before Remembrance Sunday, this will also be marked at Saturday's match. 

WHO'S THE REFEREE?
Paul Tierney will be the referee in charge of Saturday’s game. The Wigan-based whistler, who was the fourth official for the Reds' 2-1 win over Everton last weekend, handled two United matches last term - our 4-0 FA Cup win at Yeovil Town and 1-0 home defeat against West Bromwich Albion in the league. Tierney has already overseen four Premier League games so far this season. He will be assisted by Constantine Hatzidakis and Darren Cann, while the fourth official will be Kevin Friend. 

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE RESULT WILL BE?
Get involved by predicting the outcome of Saturday's game. Win exclusive prizes throughout the season by playing the Match Predictor. 

WHO ARE OUR RIVALS PLAYING THIS WEEKEND?
The Reds will kick off the Premier League schedule, which is spread across three days. Here’s the full fixture list…

Saturday 3 November
Bournemouth v Manchester United (12:30)
Everton v Brighton & Hove Albion
Cardiff City v Leicester City
Newcastle United v Watford
West Ham United v Burnley
Arsenal v Liverpool (17:30)
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur (19:45)

Sunday 4 November
Manchester City v Southampton
Chelsea v Crystal Palace (16:00)

Monday 5 November
Huddersfield Town v Fulham (20:00)

Matches kick off at 15:00 GMT unless stated.

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