Manchester United will look to bounce back from last weekend’s derby defeat to rivals Manchester City with a win against a struggling Crystal Palace side who are without a win since September. Louis van Gaal’s team look far from the finished article and more of a work in progress as they look to string a run of positive results in a campaign hindered by injuries and inconsistency. The Dutchman will be without four senior defenders for this clash as the back four of Michael Carrick and Paddy McNair from the second half at Etihad look set to retain their places.

The well-traveled former Ajax and Barcelona manager is also likely to be without Falcao who is still not 100% fit, and with Juan Mata struggling for form, the 4-4-1-1 formation looks set to be retained at the expense of the expansive 4-4-2 diamond, which proved suicidal with United’s shaky back four. Let’s take a look at the Manchester United predicted lineup for Saturday’s lunchtime kickoff against the Eagles.

Goalkeeper:

David de Gea

The Spaniard continued his terrific form at Eastlands last Sunday, denying the likes of Jesus Navas and Sergio Aguero from close range, before a bullet of a strike from the Argentine finally broke the deadlock.

Defence

Antonio Valencia, Michael Carrick, Paddy McNair, Luke Shaw.

Antonio Valencia gives all the indications of a right winger asked to play at right back as his lack of positional awareness led to the City goal at the Eithad. Michael Carrick looked solid in his first appearance in six months as he had to play as a centre-back after Smalling’s suicidal red card. Paddy McNair has looked promising in his first few appearances and should get the nod over Tyler Blackett, while Luke Shaw is slowly and steadily easing into his role as a Manchester United left back.

Midfield

Blind, Fellaini, Di Maria, Januzaj.

With Mile Jedinak suspended, there is a real opportunity for the home side to dominate the midfield physically with the likes of Marouane Fellaini and Daley Blind expected to sit deep. Fellaini was outstanding against City, but more will be expected of Daley Blind who has looked shaky at times and looked far too sloppy in possession against City. Ander Herrera is an option in the middle of the park, but van Gaal is likely to prefer width and pace in his attack with Di Maria and Januzaj both expected to retain their places.

Attack

Wayne Rooney, James Wilson.

Skipper Wayne Rooney was United’s best player at the Eithad last weekend as he drove the team on after the early Smalling red card. The England man is an automatic starter and will play in the hole. Up top, particularly with Falcao not fit enough and van Persie struggling for form and fitness, James Wilson is a real shout for a first Premier League start. The youngster has impressed the Dutchman and his inclusion could mean the injection of some much needed pace and energy upfront.