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

Crystal Palace face Man Utd in the English Premier League on Saturday. The Eagles won this fixture 4-0 in May and are unbeaten in their last four home matches against the Red Devils. United have lost four of their last eight away league fixtures.

Crystal Palace Form

Palace have had a tough start to this season after ending the last campaign on a high. Oliver Glasner’s team won six of their final seven matches last season, including a 4-0 victory over Man Utd and a 5-0 win against Aston Villa. However, this season began with a late 2-1 defeat at Brentford.

They followed that with a 2-0 home loss to West Ham, despite hitting the woodwork twice. Confidence was restored with a 4-0 home win against Norwich in the Carabao Cup, before drawing 1-1 at Chelsea. Last weekend, Palace came from 2-0 down to rescue a 2-2 home draw with Leicester, followed by a 2-1 win at QPR in the League Cup on Tuesday.

Crystal Palace Team News

Coach Oliver Glasner will be without Chad Riad and Rob Holding in defence for this match. Trevoh Chalobah is also unlikely to feature due to an abdominal injury.

Matheus Franca will not be available in attack. Eddie Nketiah, who scored in midweek, is expected to partner Jean-Philippe Mateta up front. Daichi Kamada may have to settle for a spot on the bench.

Crystal Palace Motivation

Palace are capable of adapting their style of play. They can either drop into a back five and hit on the counterattack or take the game to their opponents.

With confidence high given their recent record against Man Utd, Palace will approach this match without fear and will play to win.

Man Utd Form

United ended last season with two league wins and a 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Man City. This season began with a loss to City on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Community Shield. In league action, the Red Devils needed a late goal to beat Fulham 1-0 on the opening day of the 2024-25 season.

A 2-1 loss to Brighton followed, with a late goal conceded, before they were humiliated 3-0 at home by Liverpool. Since the FIFA break, United have responded well, winning 3-0 at Southampton (after their opponents missed a penalty) and thrashing Barnsley 7-0 in midweek in the Carabao Cup.

Man Utd Team News

United will be without Tyrell Malacia and Leny Yoro in defence due to injuries. Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund have returned to full training, but this match may come too soon for them.

Luke Shaw remains absent at left-back. Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes were given partial rests in midweek but should return to the starting lineup. Erik ten Hag will have to choose between Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro in central midfield.

Man Utd Motivation

United will be aiming to build momentum and will play for all three points in this match.

Expect them to adopt an open and attacking approach, which could leave their defence vulnerable.

Key Stats

Crystal Palace have won 6 of their last 11 league matches (winless in 4: LLDD).

Crystal Palace are unbeaten in their last 4 home matches vs Man Utd (2 wins, 2 draws).

Man Utd have won just 6 of their last 14 EPL matches.

Man Utd have scored 10 goals in their last 2 matches (after scoring just 3 goals in the previous 4 matches).

Verdict

A close contest is expected at Selhurst Park. Palace will have plenty of belief and could take at least a point at home.

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score + Over 2.5 goals at 1.83
Value Bet: Crystal Palace to Win at 2.75
Alternate Bet: Crystal Palace win/draw double chance + Over 1.5 goals at 1.95
Goalscorer Tip: Mateta to score anytime at 3.00