Manchester United vs Bournemouth prediction

THE FORECAST

Manchester United hold a marginal home advantage despite poor form (DDDLD) and a heavily depleted squad with 14 players absent, as they had one extra rest day compared to Bournemouth who arrive on only three days' recovery from their Europa League fixture. Bournemouth face an even more acute rotation risk with a League Cup match just three days after this game, making a fully committed lineup unlikely from Irwin's side. Both teams average under 1.5 goals scored per game, and the cool, windy conditions at Old Trafford are likely to suppress an already low-scoring encounter.