Manchester United-Crystal Palace is a match valid for the twenty-second day of the Premier League and is played on Saturday at 16:00: TV, formations, predictions
Manchester United return to a league match after around two weeks, in which they have been involved twice in the League Cup and once in the FA Cup. And the cups have given Erik ten Hag’s men a lot to look forward to, as they may be able to lift at least one trophy in their first spell in England.
The Red Devils strolled past Nottingham Forest in the League Cup semi-final, beating them 3-0 in the first leg and 2-0 in the return, and snatching a ticket to the final at Wembley on 26 February, where they will face Newcastle. In the FA Cup, too, it was Reading, a Championship side, who were beaten 3-1 at Old Trafford. It was the best way to forget the mockery of the Emirates Stadium: the 3-2 defeat against Arsenal, which came in the second half of the match, effectively eliminated Manchester United from the title race. Eleven points now separate Bruno Fernandes and his team-mates from the Gunners, who also have a game to make up. Fourth place, on the other hand, is by no means certain, with Tottenham still hot on their heels. That is why ten Hags will be targeting their 13th consecutive home win between competitions, against a Crystal Palace side who have often proved indigestible to the Red Devils in recent years, having won just once in five matches.
Crystal Palace in trouble: Zaha stopped
In the post-season the Eagles only beat Bournemouth, but in the last two days they put an end to the losing streak by drawing first with Manchester United in the Week 7 recovery (0-0) and then with Newcastle.
Crystal Palace’s Hughes
It has to be said, though, that the calendar has put a strain on the Londoners, who despite struggling to get back to winning ways remain within striking distance of the relegation zone. This week, however, news arrived of the injury to Zaha, the team’s top scorer, who will be out for at least two months. It’s a real blow to Patrick Vieira, who is already struggling with one of the Premier League’s least prolific attacks.
The Prediction
Although Crystal Palace has been something of a taboo for Manchester United of late, all the ingredients for another home win for the Red Devils seem to be in place here. The Eagles lose so much in attack without their star man Zaha and may not be able to score a single goal at Old Trafford.
The Manchester United-Crystal Palace line-up probables
- MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Weghorst.
- CRYSTAL PALACE (4-3-3): Guaita; Clyne, Richards, Guéhi, Mitchell; Eze, Doucouré, Schlupp; Olise, Edouard, Ayew.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-0
