Manchester United will be aiming to retain their place in the top four of the English Premier League when they host Bournemouth tonight at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag’s side have won their last five matches in all competitions, including three consecutive victories since returning from their World Cup break.
This includes Saturday’s 1-0 win over Wolves, which saw Marcus Rashford score the winning goal after he was benched for sleeping late and being late for a team meeting.
Rashford will be looking to score for the fourth match in a row against a Bournemouth side who have lost three times in a row under new permanent boss Gary O’Neill.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What time is the Manchester United vs Bournemouth match?
The match will kick off at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday 3 January.
Is he on TV?
No, the match is not available to watch live in the UK. Highlights will be available to watch on Sky Sports YouTube after full-time, while The Independent It will provide live updates through our game blog.
What’s new from the team?
Lisandro Martinez could return to Manchester United after Argentina’s World Cup victory, with Luke Shaw moving to the left-back position. Diogo Dalot is close to recovering from a hamstring injury, which means Aaron Wan-Bissaka can continue at right-back. Scott McTominay is expected to return to the team after illness, while Marcus Rashford is expected to start.
Philip Billing is a doubt for Bournemouth after being sidelined in the first half against Crystal Palace with a thigh injury. David Brooks and Netto remain out of the squad, while Ryan Fredericks, Junior Stanislas and Marcus Tavernier are not yet back.
alignment predictions
Manchester United: De Gea. Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandez; Anthony, Martial, Rashford
Bournemouth: Travers. Anthony, Smith, Senise, Kelly, Zemora; Cook, Rothwell, Lerma; Solanki, Moore
opportunities
Manchester United: 2/7
tie: 11/2
Bournemouth: 12/1
prediction
Manchester United have won their last seven matches at Old Trafford, conceding just one goal during that run. Bournemouth have won just once away from home this season, at Nottingham Forest, and have conceded an average of 2.9 goals per game on their travels this season. Given United’s form, this should have been a simple home win. Manchester United 3-0 Bournemouth
