An under-pressure Louis van Gaal takes his Manchester United side to Dean Court to face Bournemouth in the teatime fixture on Saturday.
After being knocked out of the Champions League in midweek, United will be hopeful of boosting their Premier League title bid at the home of the Cherries.
Bournemouth
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Ensuring that his players are in the right frame of mind for a game has probably never been easier for Eddie Howe, whose side are still on a high after recording a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
It looked like the opportunity to cause a shock had passed Bournemouth by when Chelsea took control in the second half, but Glenn Murray came off the bench to head home the winner late on and take the Cherries out of the relegation.
After weeks of insisting that his side would not stray from their style in the battle to pick up points, Howe was rewarded by an impressive away display and it was further proof that this side can climb up the table if they tighten up at the back.
Howe will be fully aware that they remain under pressure with just goal difference separating them from 18th-placed Newcastle United, but the win at Chelsea felt like a turning point after injuries to key men had dominated the headlines early in their campaign.
Points from games against the likes of Chelsea and Man Utd will be seen as a bonus, but after seeing his side execute his gameplan to perfection last weekend, the home supporters will be expecting Bournemouth to push the visitors hard on Saturday.
A clean sheet from their win over Chelsea was key, with no-one conceding more than the 30 goals Bournemouth have let in so far this season. As the squad continues to adapt to life in the top tier of English football, an improving defence will be crucial to Bournemouth's hopes of success over a difficult festive period.
Recent form: LLLDDW
Recent form (all competitions): LLLDDW
Manchester United
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Van Gaal has experienced some tough weeks since taking charge at Old Trafford in the summer of 2014, but he is unlikely to have felt the pressure as much as he has done since United exited the Champions League on Tuesday night.
After guiding the club back to Europe's elite club competition, the minimum expected of the squad would have been to reach the knockout stage and their failure to get out of the group has understandably produced a furious reaction from supporters and critics.
Below-par displays ensured that a win was needed against Wolfsburg to be certain of progressing, but a mix of inexperience and a lack of quality showed as Van Gaal's side slipped to a 3-2 defeat in Germany.
The Europa League awaits, but the club's fans will at least be hoping that United make a stronger challenge in the league with the full focus now on beating their domestic rivals to the title.
Frustration in the stands has been evident throughout the season, despite the club currently sitting three points off the top of the table, but last weekend's goalless draw with West Ham United was further evidence that this side lack a cutting edge in the final third of the pitch.
For Van Gaal to realistically relieve the pressure, his side must win the title this season. Dropping points against the likes of Bournemouth will not be accepted, and if United can return to form with a convincing win this weekend, the outlook may be more positive.
Recent form: DDWWDD
Recent form (all competitions): WWDDDL
Team News
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United's preparations for their return to league action were dealt a blow on Thursday when it was confirmed that Bastian Schweinsteiger had been banned for three games after striking Winston Reid with his forearm in the draw with West Ham.
The midfielder's absence adds to a difficult week, with Matteo Darmian and Chris Smalling both set to miss Saturday's game after picking up injuries against Wolfsburg.
Morgan Schneiderlin is still battling with a hip problem, while Wayne Rooney is racing to be fit after an ankle injury kept him out of the last two games.
Despite Murray coming off the bench to score the winner against Chelsea, Howe could be tempted to name an unchanged side as he searches for back-to-back wins.
Josh King's impressive display should see him retain his spot as the lone striker, with Junior Stanislas and Matt Ritchie set to offer him support from the wings.
Bournemouth possible starting lineup:
Boruc; Smith, Francis, Cook, Daniels; Surman, Gosling, Arter, Ritchie, Stanislas; King
Man Utd possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Varela, McNair, Blind, Young; Carrick, Schneiderlin; Lingard, Mata, Depay; Martial
Head To Head
These two sides have met eight times in competitive fixtures, but Saturday's game will be their first meeting in the league. Bournemouth have claimed just one victory, with that win coming in the FA Cup in 1984.
We say: Bournemouth 1-1 Manchester United
After being forced to play so openly against Wolfsburg in midweek, Van Gaal will be keen to switch back to his favoured approach at Dean Court. Injuries mean the visitors will be nowhere near full strength, and those issues should give Bournemouth even more confidence. In one of Bournemouth's toughest tasks of the season, a draw could be a strong possibility.
Callum Mulvihill
