Bournemouth's Eddie Howe lauds 'outstanding' Sheffield United & reveals whether David Brooks will feature against former side

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday afternoon's match, via the Cherries' official website, Howe was full of admiration for United, and said: "It will be a very, very difficult game for us this weekend. I think they've done an outstanding job this season.

"Chris Wilder, the staff, the players - incredible job. To get promoted is hard enough, and then to stabilise yourself in the Premier League is incredibly difficult as we found...but they've been superb this season.

He added: “Their style of football, the way they play, their collective attitude...it's been excellent to see from the outside."

When asked whether former United youngster David Brooks would be in contention to make an appearance on Sunday, as he continues to recover from a serious ankle injury, Howe ruled the possibility out completely.

He stated: "No, Brooks won't play in this game, he's still some way away (from returning to the side).

"It's very difficult for me to comment (on when he'll return), I don't actually know. He is back again in England, and he was running on grass yesterday for the first time (since the injury) I think, so that gives you an idea that he's still got some way to go."

While the Wales international clearly won't feature against the Blades, another former United youngster certainly will, in the shape of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

Howe said: "I haven't seen a difference in him (ahead of playing his old side), he's always chatty...he's that character, and I think you've seen that character on the pitch.

"The way he played against Aston Villa and Brighton, I think he's been really good for us in the past few weeks. He's growing in stature all the time; it's great to see."

Last time the two sides met in the Premier League, Billy Sharp salvaged a point for the Blades in a 1-1 draw on the opening day of the season.

A win for United could see them move ahead of Spurs into fifth place, while the Seagulls will be desperate to emerge with some points to avoid being sucked into the relegation zone ahead of their winter break.