Manchester United seem to be unstoppable this season as they notched up yet another comfortable victory in the Champions League earlier this week. They will look to continue their winning run today against a Crystal Palace side who’ve not picked up a single point so far in six games this Premier League campaign.
Roy Hodgson’s side are yet to score a goal in the competition and now find themselves travelling to Old Trafford. The trip looks daunting as United have been easing past teams so far this season.
Jose Mourinho has already established a command at the top of the table and with Man City playing Chelsea, United will want to make the most of this weekend.
Team News
Jose Mourinho revealed before the game that English duo Phil Jones and Michael Carrick are both unavailable for this game. Zlatan Ibrahimović, Paul Pogba and Marcos Rojo remain long-term injuries while Antonio Valencia, Marouane Fellaini and Anthony Martial are subject to late fitness tests before the start of the game.
Here is the predicted lineup the Portuguese might field for this tie:
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Spanish ace David de Gea will remain on goal and is expected to have a rather easy game against a misfiring Eagles’ side. Mourinho sounded optimistic about Valencia’s chances to make it to this game and we expect the manager to use his first choice right-back for this weekend.
Eric Bailly remains the first choice centre-back for Mourinho but with his partner Jones out injured, the Portuguese tactician might give Victor Lindelof a chance to taste the Premier League in a game which should not trouble him much. Matteo Darmian has done a decent job at left-back and should keep his place in the side for this tie.
Midfield
Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic has been immaculate for most parts this season and will continue to play as the deepest of the midfielders and lack of options should see him partnered with Ander Herrera, who is unlucky to miss out on first team football so far this season.
Attack
Romelu Lukaku remains the first choice striking option for United and should lead the line against the Eagles. He will be assisted by Marcus Rashford on the left flank and Henrikh Mkhitaryan on the right flank.
Spanish playmaker Juan Mata is expected to start in the no.10 role and could be the destroyer, playing in the space just in front of the visiting defenders.
The likes of Daley Blind, Jesse Lingard should make it to the bench alongside Fellaini and Martial, if they are declared fit.
