Manchester UnitedBournemouth

In the closing match of the 16th round, an upward trending Manchester United will host Bournemouth, who have hit a slump. Amorim's team has collected 18 points in the previous nine league matches, averaging 1.8 expected goals - though defensively they remain vulnerable, having conceded in 14 out of 15 matches in the 2025-26 season (≈1.3 expected goals against them). The Cherries, on the other hand, are winless since the end of October, achieving only 0.9 expected goals per match in the last six rounds, while conceding 1.6. The returning Tyler Adams might stabilize the visitors' midfield, but Lewis Cook is still suspended, Milosavljevic is out for an extended period, and Senesi's participation is questionable - particularly affecting the vulnerability of the defense's core.

At United, due to the absence of De Ligt and Maguire, the 19-year-old Heaven continues to get a chance, but in the attacking line, Fernandes, Mount, and Cunha are in good form, while Mbeumo might score a farewell goal at home before the Africa Cup of Nations. United is fighting for the top 4, while Bournemouth is battling to climb back from the slipping mid-table, so motivation will not be lacking. The biggest uncertainty is the recent scoring drought of the visitors and the young axis of the home defense, yet the overall picture still promises United dominance and open play.