Bournemouth vs Manchester United preview: Cherries hoping to pounce in first meeting for 26 years

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at Dean Court

Glenn Murray scores for Bournemouth in the 1-0 win over Chelsea (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Memphis Depay: The Manchester United forward has been under scrutiny all season by pundits, ex-players and United manager Louis Van Gaal. The attacking winger was signed by Van Gaal from PSV Eindhoven in the summer for £25m. The 21-year-old has only managed two goals in the Premier League this season – time for the Dutchman to start showing his worth.

Best stat…

6.3million: The gulf in stature for both clubs can only be explained through Twitter followers. Manchester United’s official Twitter page has 6.5million followers, whilst Bournemouth has stacked up 110k since their arrival to the Premier League. Beating the champions at the weekend should have done the Cherries some good.

Remember when…

Bournemouth’s own Matt Richie scored this stunner at home to Sunderland earlier on in the season. Eddie Howe will be hoping for the same again when Van Gaal and United stroll into town on Saturday night.

Player to watch…

Harry Arter: Bournemouth’s midfield maestro is the string to the team’s bow. Integral to everything in the middle of the park, he is a certain starter week-in week-out for Eddie Howe. The Englishman has an eye for a pass, the heart of a lion and can start attacks with piercing through-balls.

Past three-meetings…

Manchester United 1 Bournemouth 0, FA Cup replay, February 1989

Bournemouth 1 Manchester United 1, FA Cup, February 1989

Bournemouth 2 (Graham, Thompson) Manchester United 0, FA Cup, January 1984

Form guide…

Bournemouth: LLLDDW – Recently beating Chelsea 1-0 away from home.

Manchester United: WWDDDL – Recently losing 3-2 away at Wolfsburg in the Champions League.

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 5:30pm, Saturday

TV: Live on Sky Sports