Manchester United

Crystal Palace vs Manchester United Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Prediction & Betting Tips

Manchester United could take a big step towards a top four finish this weekend when they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in Saturday’s evening game.

by
Barrie's View
May 8, 2015

Manchester United could take a big step towards a top four finish this weekend when they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in Saturday’s evening game.

The Reds Devils currently have a four-point lead over fifth-place Liverpool with the Reds travelling to the 2014-15 Premier League champions, Chelsea, on Sunday.

Both of these sides have each lost their last three games and neither have managed a single goal between them during this sequence. Manchester United were beaten 1-0 at home by West Brom last weekend despite having 80% of the possession. Palace lost by the same score at Chelsea which crowned the Blues the title.

Ahead of last weekend’s game, Alan Pardew said his side had switched off after a 4-1 victory at Sunderland ensured their Premier League status for next season.

Manchester United have won 11 of the last 13 Premier League meetings between these two sides, including the 1-0 win at Old Trafford back in November.

Team News

Louis van Gaal is set to be without Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo as options at left-back, so Daley Blind is the most-likely to start. Though the pace Crystal Palace have down the wings could be countered by moving Ashley Young back and giving Angel Di Maria a first start since 11 March, on the left wing.

Phil Jones is back in contention having missed the last three games. The England international was an unused substitute last weekend and is ready to start alongside Chris Smalling at the back, in the absence of Rojo. Jonny Evans is ‘out of rhythm’ according to his manager.

Michael Carrick is done for the season.

Alan Pardew doesn’t have any injury concerns as Marouane Chamakh and Fraizer Campbell are back in contention. The Eagles have six healthy strikers although the manager usually only plays one at a time.

Likely Line-Ups

Predicted Score

Crystal Palace 0-2 Manchester United: Both teams are on a bad run of form at the moment but we believe Manchester United are in a better position to turn things around. They know three points here will ease their top four chances ahead of facing Arsenal next weekend, whilst Pardew’s suggestion his players have gone on holiday doesn’t bode well for the hosts.