Preview: Talking Points Ahead Of Man utd vs Bournemouth

EPL: Manutd vs Bournemouth 

Preview of Manutd vs Bournemouth

*Setting the scene... Following Sunday's defeat in the Manchester derby, which was the first at Old Trafford this year, United are determined to bounce back with a convincing win in Wednesday's Premier League match against Bournemouth. A victory is needed, too, considering Pep Guardiola’s City are now 11 points clear at the top of the table after 16 matches played.

Jose Mouriho

*Team news... The boss told MUTV that he doesn't know yet whether Marcos Rojo will be able to face the Cherries, after the defender suffered a nasty cut to the head on Sunday and was substituted at half-time. Victor Lindelof replaced him at centre-back and performed admirably, while Phil Jones was also on the bench, so Jose Mourinho has options in defence. Elsewhere, Marouane Fellaini appears to be edging closer to fitness and could feature, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic is presumably ready after making his fifth cameo appearance of the season. Paul Pogba is still suspended as part of the three-match ban received for his red card at Arsenal. For the Cherries, Adam Smith is back from a ban but fellow full-backs Tyrone Mings and Brad Smith could miss out.

*Bournemouth Form... The Cherries drew 2-2 against lowly Crystal Palace last time out, thanks to a brace of goals from 35-year-old striker Jermain Defoe at Selhurst Park. That point has left them in 14th place with 16 points, only three above the relegation zone, but Eddie Howe's team are encouraged by a four-match unbeaten run in away matches. In case you’re wondering (which you probably weren’t), our upcoming visitors will wear their blue kit at the Theatre of Dreams.

*Last Season's Result... Bournemouth drew 1-1 at Old Trafford on 4 March, following goals from Rojo and ex-Red Joshua King. The game was overshadowed by two collisions between Ibrahimovic and Mings, which resulted in both players later receiving retrospective bans. Andrew Surman was also sent off on the day for two bookable offences, including a push on Zlatan.

*Ref Watch... Graham Scott from Oxfordshire has been appointed to this fixture, and it will be his second United match this season following the 4-1 win over Burton Albion back in September. Adam Nunn and Richard West will be his assistants, with Mike Dean on fourth-official duties.