Bournemouth V Manchester Utd: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Live Stream, TV Info

Bournemouth vs. Manchester United will not be the game that decides either team's fate for the season, but the narrative around both clubs means the result will be observed with keen interest. 

Bournemouth are unbeaten in three games and recorded a fine win at Stamford Bridge on their last outing. Full of confidence, against a United side in the midst of an injury crisis and on a run of poor results, Eddie Howe's men will surely back themselves to get something out of this one.

For Louis van Gaal and United, the trip to the south coast offers a chance at some short-term redemption after the crushing disappointment of midweek defeat to Wolfsburg. Van Gaal told the media before the game that he and his players were working hard to turn around the club's fortunes, and they are still well in touch with the top of the table.

A few favourable results in succession would change the atmosphere considerably. 

Date: Saturday, December 12, 2015

Time: 5.30 p.m. GMT/12.30 p.m. ET

Venue: Dean Court, Bournemouth, England

TV Info: Sky Sports 1 (U.K. Only)/NBC and NBC Universo (U.S. only)

Live Stream: Sky Go (U.K. Only), NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. Only)

Form Lines

Bournemouth: LLLDDW

Manchester United: WWDDDL

Team News

Howe is without the services of Tommy Elphick, Max Gradel, Callum Wlson and Tyrone Mings, all of whom are long-term absentees, per the Guardian.

Between suspension and injury, United are without nine players. The club's website reports: 

"

Bastian Schweinsteiger is suspended for three games now the FA has charged him with violent conduct after the German was involved in an incident with Winston Reid during last weekend’s West Ham game.

Matteo Darmian suffered a hamstring injury during the first half of Tuesday’s Champions League defeat at Wolfsburg and the Italian defender was substituted before half-time. Chris Smalling also picked up a groin injury in Germany but the defender gallantly played on until the final whistle.

Marcos Rojo and Antonio Valencia remain sidelined after undergoing recent surgeries on shoulder and foot injuries. Phil Jones, Ander Herrera, Wayne Rooney and Luke Shaw are also unavailable – although the positive news is that Morgan Schneiderlin is returning to fitness following his hip problem.

"

Predicted Lineups

The Bournemouth side above has one change from the side that beat Chelsea, with Sylvain Distin restored to the centre of defence.

Another possible change would be to bring goalscorer Glenn Murray into the starting XI, but Joshua King has been an important player for Howe. The ex-United man broke his duck for the season against Swansea on 21 November and managed an assist in a fine performance in the 3-3 draw with Everton on 28 November.

Van Gaal has to find a way to make an effective side out of the players available to him, and 3-4-1-2 may be the best formation in which to do that. It would allow Ashley Young a route back into the side and give the Dutchman a chance to experiment with Memphis Depay and Anthony Martial in a front two. 

Michael Carrick would be required in defence in this formation, and an alternative would be to play an out-and-out 4-3-3 with Carrick holding and Schneiderlin and Marouane Fellaini more advanced.

Players to Watch

Junior Stanislas' two-goal showing against Everton and the fact that he is averaging more than two key passes per game single him out as a vital player for Bournemouth. 

Artur Boruc put in a very fine display against Chelsea, who managed six shots on target against him without success. Whether United can pepper his goal remains to be seen, but much will depend on Martial's form. 

Back on the scoresheet against Wolfsburg, United fans will be hoping Martial can go on a run. United need a regular supply of goals from somewhere, and the Frenchman continues to look like the man most likely. 

Key Battle

Bournemouth will aim to get joy down their flanks, against what are likely to be inexperienced full-backs. Stanislas and Matt Ritchie are more than capable of providing ammunition for the Cherries forward line. United's makeshift defence will have their hands full.

Odds

Bournemouth: 13/5 

Draw: 241/100

Manchester United: 13/10

Odds for the game correct at the time of writing, per Odds Shark.

All statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com.