Rohan Sengupta
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United: Predicted Lineup, Team News, Prediction and more
Preview
Manchester United will travel to Selhurst Park on Monday evening to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League. The Red Devils come into the game on the back of a morale-boosting 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Sunday and Jose Mourinho will hope for a similar showing from his team to take all three points against Palace as well.
Palace have been a rejuvenated side since Roy Hodgson’s arrival but are winless since last month. Last Sunday, the Eagles held Tottenham Hotspur until the 88th minute before Harry Kane scored the winner at Selhurst Park. It was a tough pill to swallow for Hodgson and co. as they are battling relegation and are just above the drop zone due to a superior goal difference.
The Eagles also have 12 senior players injured, which would make it a lot difficult for Hodgson to name his side against United on Monday, although he could get a few players back ahead of the game.
The last time these two teams met, it ended as a one-sided affair at Old Trafford in September, as United thrashed Palace 4-0.
Team News
Marouane Fellaini, Daley Blind and Ander Herrera are all sidelined with respective injuries. Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo are also injured and missed the win against Chelsea.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned to training last week ahead of a potential return in the coming weeks.
Probable Manchester United XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Jose Mourinho
David De Gea (GK)
De Gea looked a tad shaky against Chelsea with his collection and distribution but that won’t see him get dropped at Crystal Palace.
Antonio Valencia (RB)
Valencia has been a vital cog in United’s machine and he would certainly start on Monday.
Chris Smalling (CB)
Smalling had a mixed game against Chelsea. With Rojo and Jones sidelined and Bailly having just returned from injury, the England centre-back might again get a nod.
Victor Lindelof (CB)
It is a curious case with Lindelof, who has played well lately but has not been given enough opportunities. The Swede did well against Chelsea and is eyeing for another start in the Premier League.
Luke Shaw (LB)
Though Ashley Young coped well at left-back against Victor Moses, I would love to see Shaw start against Palace. He deserves more game time for his eye-catching performances since returning from injury.
Nemanja Matic (CDM)
Matic failed to control the tempo in the first half against his former club on Sunday but he got the grip after the break. The Serbian broke the play well, looked assured with his passes and performed really well. He should start against Palace by all means.
Scott McTominay (RCM)
Looks like Mourinho has found a new big-game player in youngster Scott McTominay. The academy graduate was at fault for Chelsea’s opener on Sunday but he showed great composure and confidence in the second-half to help United to an important victory. The 21-year-old is carving out an effective role in United’s midfield and the fans are simply loving it.
Paul Pogba (LCM)
Just like his last few games, Pogba was ineffective and lacked confidence in the first half against Conte’s men. The second-half saw a completely different Pogba as the Frenchman looked dynamic, marauding forward with ease. The midfielder must start at Selhurst Park.
Anthony Martial (LW)
Martial has been terrific this season and Mourinho, without thinking too much, should start him on the left. The nippy Frenchman’s incisiveness and accuracy will be key in unlocking the Palace defence.
Alexis Sanchez (RW)
The Chilean had an off-day against Chelsea but he could be the focal point of the attack on Monday and will have to link up well with the other two attackers.
Romelu Lukaku (ST)
Lukaku silenced his critics with a Man-of-the-Match performance against the Blues. The big Belgian led the attack so well and there was a different swagger to his play against his former club. He has just been a different player for us compared to the one he was at Everton.
Prediction
For all good Palace have been under Hodgson, they will find it difficult to trouble United with an injury-plagued squad. United, who are on a high after Sunday’s win, should grab all three points with little fuss. So I go with a 3-1 United win.
