The last time these two sides met, it was Manchester United who suffered a 1-3 loss at Old Trafford against Crystal Palace. That setback was one of the talking points at the beginning of the season. It is time for Solskjaer’s men to avenge the result.
Crystal Palace will continue to miss Wilfried Zaha who had delivered a man-of-the-match performance at Old Trafford. While they have quite a long list of injury absentees, the Ivory Coast international’s absence remains their biggest concern.
Coming to United, Ole will know these are the games where they have to pocket the 3 points as the team has failed to garner positive results against the conventional top 6 opposition. This will be a crucial match for United to win as there is a chance for Leicester City to take the 2nd spot if they win against Burnley today.
We fully expect United to come out all guns blazing and a Zaha-less Crystal Palace might not have the wherewithal to trouble the Red Devils over the course of 90 minutes.
Manchester United Team News
Edinson Cavani will be back in the squad but is unlikely to start,
Donny Van De Beek was in the squad for the last game and could be in for a surprise inclusion in the Man United lineup. His only goal in the Premier League came against Crystal Palace on his debut.
Paul Pogba continues to be out along with Juan Mata and Phil Jones.
Predicted Man United lineup to face Crystal Palace (4-1-4-1)
Goalkeeper
There will be a temptation to hand David de Gea a rest ahead of a challenging and season-defining run of fixtures but Ole will not want to take the focus off of Crystal Palace.
Defence
Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly will start for United at the heart of the defence. Luke Shaw requires a much-needed rest ahead of the derby. So, we expect it to be Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Alex Telles in the full-back positions.
Midfield
Scott McTominay is unlikely to be risked after featuring 90 minutes against Chelsea.
With the Manchester derby on Sunday followed by assignments against AC Milan and West Ham United, Ole could hand Fred a day-off as well.
We feel this game could be the best opportunity for the manager to get both Bruno Fernandes and Donny van de Beek into the Man United lineup together. In that case, the duo will play slightly advanced roles in midfield.
Forwards
Marcus Rashford will start on the left flank while we might see Mason Greenwood handed a start on the right.
Anthony Martial could be asked to lead the Man United lineup again and the Frenchman will be keen to get on the scoresheet and get his season going, albeit belatedly.
