Team News
Manchester United have confirmed that Antony, absent from the last three matches due to domestic abuse allegations, will resume training and be available for selection while police inquiries continue. Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay are fit again after missing the midweek game due to illness, though Lisandro Martinez (foot) is sidelined for an extended period. Sergio Reguilon will also miss the weekend’s fixture with a minor injury.
The Red Devils are further weakened by the continued absences of Jadon Sancho (disciplinary reasons), Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia (all muscle injuries), Amad Diallo (knee), and Kobbie Mainoo (ankle). With no fit left-backs, Sofyan Amrabat may once again deputise in that role, while Martinez’s absence opens the door for Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, or Jonny Evans to partner Raphael Varane in defence. Mason Mount, who made his return from a hamstring injury on Tuesday, is in line for his first Premier League start in over a month. Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Rasmus Hojlund are all expected to return to the starting XI after being rested midweek.
For Crystal Palace, goalkeeper Dean Henderson suffered a groin injury on his debut and joins Odsonne Edouard (hamstring), Michael Olise (thigh), Matheus Franca (back), Jefferson Lerma (hamstring), and James Tomkins (calf) in the treatment room. Naouirou Ahamada remains doubtful with an ankle problem, while Jairo Riedewald will be assessed after picking up a knock on Tuesday. With Edouard out, Jean-Philippe Mateta is likely to continue leading the line. Eberechi Eze, who started on the bench in the EFL Cup clash, is expected to return to the starting lineup along with other key players.
Form Guide
Crystal Palace started the new season on a strong note, picking up seven points from their first four Premier League matches and securing a 4-2 victory over Plymouth Argyle to advance in the EFL Cup. However, they have since gone three games without a win, losing 3-1 at Aston Villa, drawing 0-0 at home to Fulham, and being eliminated from the EFL Cup by Manchester United on Tuesday.
The Eagles currently sit just one point and one place behind Manchester United in the Premier League standings. However, their away form has been inconsistent, winning only three of their last 14 league games on the road, with victories against relegated sides Leeds United and Southampton last season, and a narrow 1-0 win over Sheffield United on the opening weekend. Palace have had some success at Old Trafford in recent years, securing a goalless draw in 2018, a 2-1 victory in 2019, and a 3-1 win in 2020. However, they have lost their last two visits, both by one-goal margins, including a 2-1 defeat in February.
Predicted Outcome
While Hodgson has previously guided Palace to positive results at Old Trafford, their current struggles in front of goal make it difficult to see them pulling off another upset this weekend. Manchester United, buoyed by their midweek victory, will be eager to continue their momentum. A stronger Red Devils lineup should ensure they collect all three points, but it may not be straightforward. We predict a 2-1 win for Manchester United in this encounter.