Manchester United’s struggle for the 4th spot continues as they head towards their next fixture in the Barclays Premier League. United will be welcoming the side that surprisingly (not very) got a point at Emirates against Arsenal in their last outing. United are currently 5th in the table with 56 points and are 4 points behind Arsenal and 5 behind Manchester City.
After their victory against Villa, the side will be hoping to gain the winning momentum. Palace, on the other hand, have avoided relegations (mathematically) and will be looking to give the same performance they gave at the Emirates.
Looking at Manchester United’s form, the game will be a tougher one and will be a close call. Louis Van Gaal will be hoping to get a win under Palace’s nose if he tends to finish his campaign in the top flights.
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Team News-
United’s skipper Wayne Rooney made his first team appearance after a long time and is most likely to start the next game as well.
Ander Herrera has a minor leg injury and might be rested in the next game as well.
Luke Shaw and Bastian Schweinsteiger will also be out due to their respective injuries.
For Palace, Dwight Gayle is battling for his fitness while James McAthur is expected to return.
Scott Dan might return after his injury he got against Arsenal.
Lineup-
Manchester United-
De Gea
Valencia; Smalling; Blind; Fosu-Mensah
Carrick; Schneiderlin
Mata; Rooney; Memphis
Rashford
Crystal Palace-
Hennessey
Ward; Dann; Delaney; Souare
Puncheon, Cabaye, Jedinak, Bolasie, Ledley,
Wickham.
Key Stats-
The last time Crystal Palace defeated United was back in 1990-91 season and since then United have won 13 out of their last 17 encounters and have drawn 4.
The Red Devils have kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 games against Crystal Palace.
Juan Mata for Manchester United has scored against Palace in their last 2 fixtures (besides this season’s).
Manchester United have 4 won out of their last 6 games whereas, Palace has won only 1 out of their last 6 games.
United have conceded just 7 goals this season at Old Trafford.
Prediction-
As I said, it would be hard to predict the score because United are on a real goal drought. Palace’s performance against Arsenal showed what their strikers are capable of and what harm they can do to United’s defence. Whosoever wins, it will be a marginal one. But, I personally think that United will grab the victory against the Eagles.
2-1 Manchester United
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