Crystal Palace v Man Utd – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Crystal Palace host Man Utd at Selhurst Park on the final day of the Premier League season. The Eagles have won none of their last 12 league matches at home against the Red Devils but face a side with four losses in six in the Premier League. Palace can finish the season anywhere between 10th and 14th whilst United needs a win to guarantee a top-six finish or face the risk of going into next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League.

Crystal Palace Form

Palace have had a strong season and have changed its playing style under Patrick Vieira. They had one poor run at the turn of the year with one win in nine in the league. They followed that with 11 points from five matches (WDWDW) to effectively ensure their survival. That run concluded with a 3-0 home win against Arsenal in their best performance of the season.

Their last seven matches have been mixed as the focus has drifted a bit. They were beaten away by Leicester and Newcastle but also won against the struggling side in Southampton (2-1) and Watford (1-0). They then went to Aston Villa and rescued a 1-1 draw after trailing. In midweek, a fine first-half performance saw them 2-0 up against Everton but they conceded three second-half goals to lose 3-2.

Crystal Palace Team News

Michael Olise, James Tomkins, and James McArthur are all set to miss out on this match. Conor Gallagher could return to the XI after being dropped at Everton. His goals and assists have dried up and he is set to return to Chelsea next season anyway.

Cheikhou Kouyate could return to anchor midfield and Christian Benteke will hope for a start upfront. Patrick Vieira is set to play close to his best XI to look to end off this term on a good note.

Crystal Palace Motivation

The Eagles have a very loud supporter base who will expect a good send-off in the final home match. This will motivate Palace to give everything.

The side could still finish anyway between 10th and 14th so there is some motivation to strive for a top-half finish. They will look to press and attack a United side on the transition at home. If leading, they will sit back as they did against Arsenal.

Man Utd Form

The Red Devils have been a shambles of late with six losses in their last 11 in all competitions and just two wins in 13. They have lost four of their last six league matches and have leaked 12 goals in their last five.

A 4-0 humiliation at Liverpool was followed by a decent display but a 3-2 loss away to Arsenal. They were then completely outplayed by Chelsea (allowing 21 shots and having just 35% possession) but left Old Trafford that night with a 1-1 draw. A 3-0 home win against Brentford ended up the side’s home season on a good night but they were truly humbled in their last match, 4-0 at Brighton.

Man Utd Team News

Ralf Rangnick will oversee his final match in charge and may have a little input from Erik Ten Hag for this match after the Dutch coach arrived in Manchester. Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic, Edinson Cavani, and Jesse Lingard are all leaving, as is the injured Paul Pogba. Most with still be likely involved in this match.

Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford are set to miss out but Jadon Sancho is fit to return and start. Harry Maguire and Fred are over their recent injuries and should but start. Young attacker Alejandro Garnacho will hope for some minutes.

Man Utd Motivation

The side have completely lost focus and motivation in recent weeks. Perhaps Ten Hag’s arrival will provoke a better display but so many players are leaving and will need to be self-motivated to end off on a good note.

Man Utd needs a win to ensure they finish sixth and get Europa League football. A seventh-place finish means they go into the Europa Conference League.

Key Stats

Crystal Palace are unbeaten in 5 matches at home (DDWDW)

Palace have kept 4 clean sheets in a row at home

Palace’s Zaha has 13 PL goals this season

Crystal Palace have won 0 of their last 12 home PL matches vs Man Utd

Man Utd have won 2 of their last 9 matches in all comps

United have lost 6 of their last 11 matches

Man Utd have conceded in 12 of their last 14 matches (26 goals leaked)

Man Utd’s Ronaldo has 18 PL goals this season

Verdict

This is a tough match to predict. Palace will surely want to perform well for the home fans but they have such a poor record at Selhurst Park vs Man Utd. The visitors look a shambles and will surely concede a goal or two.

Best Bet: Over 3.5 goals at 2.75
Value Bet: Crystal Palace win and Both Teams to Score at 5.25
Multiplier Leg: Crystal Palace win/draw double chance and over 1.5 goals at 2.05
Goalscorer Tip: Ronaldo and Zaha to both score anytime at 4.49

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis