IT IS the penultimate game of the Premier League season for Cherries this afternoon, and the final fixture of the home campaign at Vitality Stadium.

Cherries welcome Champions League chasing Manchester United (kick-off 3pm), and whilst safety has already been secured by Gary O’Neil’s men, they will be looking to end the season on a high following back-to-back defeats.

Here are some talking points ahead of the game.

Cherries to take advantage of Red Devil's away form?

Away from home in the Premier League, the Red Devils have struggled for form in 2023. Out of seven away trips, they have won just two, defeating lowly Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, with four defeats – including a 7-0 thrashing at the hands of arch-rivals Liverpool.

Over the course of the campaign, they have dropped points in the league on 11 occasions out of 18 away fixtures.

In contrast, Cherries have won six out of 18 home Prem games, having drawn a further four and being defeated eight times.

O'Neil wants home win send-off to thank fans

This afternoon will be the final time Cherries will play in front of their Vitality Stadium faithful, and Gary O’Neil hopes his side can put on a performance to sign off their home campaign.

He shared: “Hopeful that we can make sure that we give a real good performance, that you can feel that connection with the fans again, which has been there for large parts of this season.

“They've been an incredible backing for the players and that we can get that connection one more time and they can show their appreciation for the players, because the players have given absolutely everything this year, achieved more than 99 per cent of people in the country thought we could.

“And we can show our appreciation to the fans for sticking with us, because I'm sure it was tough at times for them as well. Some away games where we didn't manage to get good results or we suffered late defeats.

“And the Arsenal game, the Leeds game, so appreciation to them for sticking by the place.”

Lerma's Dean Court swan song?

The final home game of the season could also be the last time a fan favourite graces the Vitality, with Jefferson Lerma’s future still up in the air.

Fans have started their charm offensive with chants of “One more year, one more year, Jefferson Lerma” in recent weeks, before Daily Echo readers chose the Colombian as the recipient of the Mickey Cave trophy this season.

With Premier League clubs circling but unable to make an official move until the expiry of Lerma’s contract, no decision is expected soon, but Cherries remain hopeful their record signing could extend his stay at Dean Court.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Echo last weekend, Lerma shared how “everything is possible” in terms of his future, also dismissing reports that he had rejected offers from the club.

A lap of honour is expected following the final whistle, which could represent a goodbye for Lerma.