Crystal Palace return to Selhurst Park on Wednesday after a narrow defeat at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea on Sunday.
Patrick Vieira’s men were much improved and created several chances and, on another day, would have returned to south London with a point. Vieira bemoaned slack finishing and admitted that confidence in his side had been hit.
Four defeats in the last five Premier League games has seen Palace slip down the table. And the probable omission of Joachim Andersen will be a blow against United.
Anderson was replaced in the first half against Chelsea and his potential absence will be a big blow for the hosts.
Palace have also been struggling to score goals too, with just two goals scored (against Bournemouth) in the last five games.
It does not bode well against a United side who are chasing their 10th consecutive win.
United have got the wind in their sails and their charge has been led by Marcus Rashford, who has scored in all four games since the World Cup.
There is a question mark over Rashford’s fitness though after taking a blow against City last time out. Anthony Martial is also a doubt, but new signing Wout Weghorst is available.
In fact Erik ten Hag is likely to shuffle his pack with Casemiro and Fred one booking away from suspension before the cards are wiped clean. And with Arsenal up next at the weekend, the former may well be given the night off.
Palace do have a decent record against United. Manchester United have failed to score on their last two visits to SE25 with Palace winning three of the last six meetings between the teams.
But that good run looks set to come to an end with United fancied to get over the line and continue their push.
Key Stats
- Manchester United have won their last five Premier League matches
- Manchester United have won their last nine matches in all competitions
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in five of Manchester United’s last six Premier League games
- Crystal Palace have seen under 2.5 goals in their last three home matches against Manchester United in all competitions
- Crystal Palace have lost four of their last five Premier League games
