Manchester United and Crystal Palace are riding opposite runs at the moment heading into this Premier League. The Red Devils are coming off a huge 2-1 win over Chelsea, while Palace are riding a five-game winless run that once again has them on the brink of falling into the red zone. With that in mind, these two sides will meet this Monday evening at Selhurst Park.
A win for United would allow them to strengthen their grip in the second place of the standings. Meanwhile, a win for Palace will allow them to take one step away from a potential relegation to the Championship next season.
Team News
Both teams will have several absentees ahead of this game.
On Manchester United’s end, the team will be quite depleted but most of their absences will be on the defensive end. Jose Mourinho announced that Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marouane Fellaini remain out, although they might return in the coming weeks. Ander Herrera remains out following the injury he sustained in the Champions League against Sevilla. And a trio of defenders – Phil Jones, Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo – have been ruled out as well.
Crystal Palace won’t be any healthier, though. Winger Wilfried Zaha headlines a lengthy list of absentees, and that also includes Scott Dann, Mamadou Sakho, Jason Puncheon and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Manchester United loanee Timothy Fosu-Mensah is ineligible for this game due to the fact that he can’t play against his parent club. In fact, Roy Hodgson confirmed on Thursday that Martin Kelly and Jeffrey Schlupp are the only two players likely to return from injury on Monday. However, both remain doubtful and will require a late-fitness test.
Form Guide
Manchester United are coming off 2-1 win against Chelsea in the Premier League, as they had to come from behind to defeat the Blues thanks to goals from Romelu Lukaku and Jesse Lingard. That win maintained them in second place, but Liverpool’s latest win sent them back to third place in the EPL standings. Winning the title is probably not going to happen, so United must try to secure a Top 4 finish to earn a spot in the UEFA Champions League next season. They have three wins and two losses in their last five games.
On the other hand, Palace have looked quite poor this season and will likely battle to avoid relegation until the final weeks of the campaign. Things get worse for them if we analyse their recent record against United in the Premier League since they haven’t been able to defeat them in 17 years in England’s top-flight. The south-London outfit currently sit 17th, with only goal difference keeping them above the relegation zone, but they could fall into it if results over the weekend go against them.
The last time these two sides met, Manchester United cruised their way to a huge 4-0 win at Old Trafford earlier this season. A brace from Fellaini and goals from Lukaku and Juan Mata lifted The Red Devils to a huge win at Old Trafford. Can they repeat that result here?
Prediction
These types of games are often hard to predict considering Palace needs to win the game. However, United can’t afford to drop more points and they also need the three points. Based on current form and strength of the roster, expect United to claim the three points at Selhurst Park.
Those who are looking for enhanced odds exclusives can have a look at Betfair’s enhanced odds of United beating Huddersfield 25/1. The offer will be available for players who register through this link. Mind you that all winnings are paid in free bets and that there is additional £100 in free bets waiting for you on your next 5 deposits.
Remember to gamble responsibly. 18+ only. Terms and conditions apply.
united win by 3-1