Crystal Palace will be bidding to bounce back to winning ways in the Premier League on Wednesday evening when they entertain Manchester United at Selhurst Park.
The Eagles were edged 1-0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, which left them 12th in the table and with 22 points from 18 games. They have won just once in their last five Premier League games and were dumped out of the FA Cup last weekend by Southampton, thereby, piling some pressure on manager Patrick Vieira.
Back at home, Vieira would want a response from his boys against an in-form Man United, who are on a nine-game winning run across all competitions and head to south London on the back of a 2-1 success in the Manchester derby.
Crystal Palace Team News
Crystal Palace were dealt with a big blow on Sunday when Joachim Andersen was forced off with a knee problem in the first half against Chelsea. The Denmark international should sit the Manchester United game out, along with long-term absentees James McArthur (groin) and Nathan Ferguson (match fitness).
Predicted Crystal Palace Lineup vs Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Vicente Guaita has been a permanent fixture in goal since the start of the season and that is unlikely to change when Crystal Palace host Man United in midweek.
Defence
Ahead of Guaita, Vieira is set to go with a back four of Nathaniel Clyne, James Tomkins, Marc Guehi and Tyrick Mitchell. Tomkins, who came on for the injured Andersen against Chelsea, should start alongside Guehi in central defence, with Clyne and Mitchell operating from full-back positions.
Considering how rampant Man United have been since the resumption of the Premier League, the Palace backline have to be on their toes throughout the game to keep a clean sheet at home.
Midfield
Cheick Doucoure is one of the first names on Vieira’s team sheet for his defensive acumen and passing ability from deep. The Mali international, along with Jeffrey Schlupp, will shield the Eagles’ backline against Man United.
Eberechi Eze started the game at Chelsea out wide but could go through the middle as a No.10 in midweek, with his pressing, energy and creativity capable of causing problems for the Man United defence.
Attack
Wilfried Zaha is expected to return to his original position on the left flank after proving ineffective as a No.9 against Chelsea. Jordan Ayew could be moved up top to lead the Palace attack, with Michael Olise providing flair and dynamism from the right wing.
If Palace are in need of more impetus in attack against Erik ten Hag’s side, Vieira could bring on the likes of Jean-Philippe Mateta and Odsonne Edouard from the bench.
