Bournemouth have been stalemate specialists over the last few weeks, as they have drawn each of their last four matches coming into this clash. Three of those games have seen no goals at all for either side, which is unusual, given how Bournemouth games are usually quite open and entertaining to watch. 

However, Bournemouth have still been able to create some good chances, and it seems like the goals will start flowing again soon. They somehow failed to score against Burnley last time out, despite registering 22 shots worth 2.55 xG. 

BTTS has landed in 12 of Man United’s last 13 away games, making this an excellent opportunity for Bournemouth to break their duck. However, keeping Man United at bay has proven to be no easy task, as they have scored in every game since November. Also, it finished 4-4 when these sides met in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford.

There were plenty of chances available at either end of the field in that game, with neither side offering much defensive resistance.

The hosts generated 3.4 xG from their 25 shots, while Bournemouth managed 14 attempts at goal themselves. Both goalkeepers were also kept busy, finishing the game with five saves apiece, highlighting how there could have been even more goals. 

That game had a bit of everything - goals, cards, and even corners. There were nine in total, with five for Man United and four for Bournemouth. Andoni Iraiola's side have been a team to target for corners all season, as they can be quite direct in their approach, and often look to play through wide areas.

They are averaging 10.9 corners per game in the Premier League this season, with 5.7 for and 5.2 against. This selection has landed in 12 of their last 13 league matches.

Bournemouth had a bit of an injury crisis in midfield when these sides last met, as Lewis Cook was suspended, Ryan Christie was injured, and Tyler Adams suffered a knock just eight minutes into the match. That meant Marcus Tavernier had to play deeper than usual, but he was still a standout performer at Old Trafford, finishing the game with a goal and an assist to his name. 

Tavernier had four shots in total, with three of those efforts hitting the target, and he has again been heavily involved since returning from injury. Tavernier has landed this bet in each of his last three starts, with 13 shots in that time.

Even though just 32% of his efforts in the Premier League have hit the target, Tavernier’s shot volume tends to be high, and he is averaging 2.48 shots per 90 in the league. He is the designated free-kick taker for the Cherries, and could also be on penalties. 

Alex Jimenez was dropped to the bench last weekend, but the Spaniard has been a regular at right back for Bournemouth in recent weeks and should reclaim his starting spot here over Adam Smith. Jimenez has proven his versatility this season, as he has featured in more advanced areas, but the 20-year-old has dropped into a more natural fullback role since the emergence of Rayan. 

Because of that, Jimenez should be directly up against Matheus Cunha on the flank on Friday night, which is a matchup to keep an eye on. The Brazilian international is averaging 2.17 fouls drawn per 90 this season across all competitions, and he was fouled five times against Newcastle in his last away outing. 

Jimenez is averaging 1.45 fouls per 90 on home turf this season, and he has landed this selection in eight of his eleven home starts.

Bruno Fernandes was another player who massively influenced the outcome of that most recent head-to-head meeting, as he also recorded a goal and an assist at Old Trafford. The Portuguese international has been in excellent form recently and has really come into his element since Michael Carrick took charge.

The new manager has deployed Fernandes in a more natural attacking midfield role, which has increased his threat massively going forward. 

Fernandes has landed this selection in seven out of nine games under Carrick, with two goals and eight assists in that period. That includes two assists against Aston Villa last time out, as he delivered the corner which was headed in by Casemiro, before slipping through Cunha with a pinpoint through ball in the second half. 

Bruno has seven goals and 17 assists to his name from 29 appearances across all competitions this season, and he is currently playing at top form. 

Tyler Adams was a surprise exclusion from the matchday squad against Burnley, as the American international was confirmed to have picked up a knock in training. With Lewis Cook also injured, Bournemouth are once again light on options in midfield, but Ryan Christie is at least available, and he should partner Alex Scott here. 

Christie’s minutes this season have been limited, but he is averaging 2.14 fouls per 90 across all competitions and was recently carded against Sunderland after coming on from the bench. Last season, the Scottish international was averaging 1.77 fouls per 90, highlighting a real willingness to duel - he should have plenty of work to get through against Man United here. 

Christie was carded when he last faced off against Man United at the Vitality Stadium, and he will have to deal with the likes of Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo here. 

Christie should also find duels against Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, who is another Man United player who has benefitted massively from the recent managerial change. Mainoo has started all nine games under Carrick, and has finally been able to showcase his potential - the 20-year-old has seen plenty of the ball playing alongside Casemiro, and he is averaging 1.27 fouls drawn per 90 this season. 

Mainoo has landed this selection in five out of nine games under Carrick. Bournemouth like to press strongly in midfield, and Mainoo excels at the ball at his feet. Those two trends marry up nicely to back Mainoo here, especially as Bournemouth racked up 12 fouls as a team in the reverse fixture. 

Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes were both fouled exactly once, but Mainoo is much more adept at drawing contact than those two. The Cherries rank third in the Premier League charts for total fouls this season, averaging 12.2 infringements per game.