Andoni Iraola's AFC Bournemouth are aiming to continue their tremendous start to the Premier League season as they travel north to face Manchester United.
The Cherries come into the fixture in top form, hoping to make it three away wins in a row after defeating Wolves and Ipswich on their recent travels.
Enes Ünal additionally netted an outrageous free-kick to rescue a point against West Ham and move the south coast side to 6th in the Premier League table earlier this week.
On the other hand, Ruben Amorim was victorious in his first Manchester derby after a late Amad Diallo-inspired comeback at the Etihad Stadium.
However, the Reds' recent resurgence was haulted in midweek as Dominic Solanke's double helped Tottenham knock Amorin's side out of the Carabao Cup in a 4-3 thriller.
After an embarrassing 3-0 hiding to the Cherries last season, United will look to make it revenge and not repeat at Old Trafford on Sunday.
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Team News
The hosts come into this fixture with a relatively healthy squad.
Luke Shaw remains out with a hamstring problem, while Matthijs de Ligt also is a doubt in defence after being absent in midweek due to illness.
Mason Mount is United's third and final absentee after being forced off early at the Etihad due to a muscle injury.
That being said, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho also look set to be absent after failing to make the last two 18-man matchday squads.
Amorim has claimed that the pair had been dropped due to non-injury related issues and the duo had been left out due to their overall behaviours when on or off the football pitch.
Since joining the Manchester club, the Portuguese boss has made several changes to his selections as the manager looks to find his preferred eleven, hinting towards another potentially changed Amorim side.
Bournemouth come into this fixture with the same squad that faced Julen Lopetegui's West Ham side in midweek.
Julián Araujo and Marcos Senesi remain out with long-term injuries at the back, while Alex Scott is still on the sidelines with a meniscus injury.
Wing pair Luis Sinisterra and Marcus Tavernier conclude the injury report for the Cherries with both widemen expected to be out for the next few weeks.
Alongside injuries, Iraola's side will have to take precautions when it comes to bookings. Justin Kluivert and Lewis Cook have picked up four yellows respectively as the duo sit a card away from a Boxing Day suspension.
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Likely Lineups
Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Martínez; Mazraoui, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dalot; Amad, Fernandes; Højlund.
Kepa; Smith, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Adams, Christie; Semenyo, Kluivert, Ouattara; Evanilson.
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Key Players
Manchester United - Amad Diallo
Despite a rocky start under Amorim and to the season, United's young and fearless Ivorian Amad has provided an energetic and exciting spark to their attack.
The 21-year-old struggled for minutes under Erik ten Hag at the start of the season, often being utilised as a bench option. However, the winger has become one of the first names on the teamsheet under his new boss.
Amad has two goals and two assists in his last four appearances, notably winning a penalty before squeezing the ball past Ederson to win the Manchester derby.
His direct and flair-fuelled approach has also brought a refreshing injection of pace into United's attack.
Due to being on the right side, the Ivorian will be matched up against Bournemouth's inform and uber-talented left back Milos Kerkez in what will be a very exciting battle.
The Hungarian has had an outstanding start to the season. However, his attack-minded full-back approach may allow for the pace of Amad to exploit in behind.
AFC Bournemouth - Illia Zabarnyi
Regarding the visitors, it is tough to pick one player to highlight after their strong start to the season. However, in recent fixtures, Illia Zabarnyi has been flawless at the back.
Composure on the ball, braveness to dribble the ball out from the back, a varied passing range and all the desired attributes needed for a top central defender at the back, the Ukrainian rock has it all.
Zabarnyi has been ever-present and impressive for the Cherries, playing every minute of the Premier League season; winning 69.6% of his tackles and 63% of his aerial duels, while also being accurate with 83.4% of his passes.
The 22-year-old will now have the large task of marking an inform Rasmus Højlund at Old Trafford.
The Dane has scored three goals in his last four appearances and has appeared to become Amorim's main man up top since joining.
Højlund offers an abundance of pace and power against Zabarnyi in what could be a key individual battle in the fixture.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The game is being played at Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United.
What time is kick-off?
The game is scheduled to kick-off at 14:00 BST on Sunday, 22 December 2024.
How can I watch the game?
Viewers in the UK will not be able to watch this fixture, despite being moved to 14:00 on Sunday as Fulham vs Southampton will be covered.
