Crystal Palace vs Man Utd Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man + Prediction

Manchester United will be in the capital to take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday evening looking to close the gap on the top four.

The defending champions are currently well off the pace and trail fourth-placed Liverpool by 11 points so they will have to start putting a winning run together soon or their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League will quickly disappear.

The Red Devils put in a stubborn performance to hold Arsenal to a 0-0 draw last time out and have since gone to Dubai for some warn-weather training to recharge their batteries.

David Moyes has been handed a pre-game boost with the news on Friday night that striker Wayne Rooney has signed a new five-and-a-half-year contract at the club, so they will be hoping to celebrate with a vital win tomorrow.

However, United will be facing a rejuvenated Crystal Palace side that has lost just once since Tony Pulis took over in November and they come into the game having won three of their last six games with all three wins coming on home soil.

That run has seen the Eagles climb out of the relegation zone and they are well rested having not played in two weeks after their clash with Everton was postponed due to adverse weather conditions last week.

Team News

Palace have just one major injury worry to contend with as winger Jerome Thomas faces a late fitness test after recovering from a back injury.

Left-back Jonathan Parr is expected to be recalled to the starting eleven which should see January signing Joe Ledley move up into midfield. Thomas Ince and Scott Dann will continue trying to impress having also made moves to Selhurst last month.

United on the other hand have some injury concerns to deal with. Danny Welbeck continues to miss out with a knee injury while Jonny Evans is also ruled out with a calf strain.

Rafael wont be risked after suffering concussion against Arsenal so Chris Smalling is likely to switch to right-back with the fit again Phil Jones coming in alongside Nemanja Vidic at the back.

Marouane Fellaini is pushing for a recall having recovered from a wrist injury and he could line-up alongside Michael Carrick in midfield.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Wayne Rooney: All eyes will be on the striker after he signed his mammoth new contract and he’ll be keen to repay the club for rewarding him which such a lucrative deal. His link-up play with van Persie and Mata is likely to be vital tomorrow.

Predicted Score

Crystal Palace 0-1 Man Utd: Palace have been hugely impressive at home but we can see United just edging this one.

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