Manchester United host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford for the second time in a week, hoping to prevail over them in the Premier League this time around.
The Red Devils beat the Eagles 3-0 in midweek to book their spot in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, thanks to goals from Alejandro Garnacho, Casemiro and Anthony Martial. Prior to the cup win, they had edged past Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor in the Premier League.
Thus, Saturday’s contest against Crystal Palace presents an opportunity for Erik ten Hag’s side to record a third successive win in all competitions and recover from a slow start to the season.
Manchester United Team News
Lisandro Martinez and Sergio Reguilon are unavailable for Manchester United’s home Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace.
Defenders Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are all still sidelined while Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay are back in contention.
Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo are nursing long-term injuries.
Antony will return to training over the weekend and will shortly be available for selection while Jadon Sancho remains frozen out due to off-field issues.
Predicted Man United lineup vs Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
The game against Palace will present an opportunity for Man United’s No.1 Andre Onana to build on consecutive clean sheets.
Defence
Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire pushed their claims for a place at the heart of the defence with strong performances in midweek. Victor Lindelof, who came on in the second half and operated at left-back, is likely to provide cover from the bench.
Sergio Reguilon’s continued absence means Sofyan Amrabat should get the nod at left-back again in the Man United lineup. Amrabat impressed on his full debut in midweek and deserves to keep his place in the team. Meanwhile, Diogo Dalot is an obvious pick at right-back.
Midfield
Well-rested Bruno Fernandes will return to the fold. The beating heart of Ten Hag’s side, the Portuguese will bear the responsibility of creating opportunities in the final third for the forwards.
Joining Fernandes in midfield will be Casemiro, who produced a Man of the Match display against Palace in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. McTominay and Eriksen are again available for selection, but Ten Hag might spring a surprise and go with Hannibal Mejbri in midfield following his back-to-back solid displays.
Attack
Anthony Martial got off the mark for the season with a great finish for United’s third against Palace on Tuesday. However, he will make way for Rasmus Hojlund up top in the Man United lineup.
Marcus Rashford will be fresh to face the Eagles after being afforded a breather, with the England international replacing Alejandro Garnacho on the left flank.
Fit-again Mason Mount produced a lively 45 minutes in midweek and should get the nod ahead of Facundo Pellistri on the right wing in the Man United lineup.
The likes of Garnacho, Pellistri and Martial may get opportunities to make an impact off the bench.