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

Crystal Palace face Man Utd in the English Premier League on Monday. The Eagles have taken 10 points from their last four matches whilst United have just one win in their last six league fixtures.

Crystal Palace Form

Palace were struggling at one point with a single win in nine league matches. Oliver Glasner steadied the ship with one win and three draws in his first five matches in charge during that run. After a 4-2 home loss to Man City, the season threatened to peter out. Instead, a famous 1-0 win at Liverpool followed.

Since then, their confidence has been sky-high. They led 4-0 after 31 minutes at home to West Ham before eventually winning 5-2. A 2-0 home win over Newcastle saw them outshoot the Magpies 20-7. Last weekend, Palace scored late to rescue a 1-1 draw at Fulham.

Crystal Palace Team News

Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is out after surgery and key midfielder Cheick Doucoure has been out for months. Jefferson Lerma has been covering in defence but he is doubtful for this one.

Rob Holding misses out and Matheus Franca is doubtful in attack. Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze have trained this week and should be available. Both may only be on the bench though.

Crystal Palace Motivation

Palace can play very defensively under Glasner but also be enterprising when Olise and Eze are fit.

They will get space from Man Utd in this match and will play for the win with an attacking approach.

Man Utd Form

United’s form is curious right now. They have lost just once in nine matches in all competitions but it’s just one win in six league matches right now. They allowed 31 shots in a 1-1 draw at Brentford before a fortunate 2-2 home draw vs Liverpool. Another 2-2 draw followed at Bournemouth.

United then threw away a 3-0 lead in a 3-3 draw vs Coventry before winning on penalties in the FA Cup semi-final. They’ve since beaten Sheffield United 4-2 at home before a 1-1 home draw vs Burnley last weekend.

Man Utd Team News

Erik Ten Hag’s injury crisis shows no signs of improving. Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane, and Lisandro Martinez are ruled out at the back. Jonny Evans and Willy Kambwala have a chance of being fit which would allow Casemiro to return to a midfield role.

In midfield, Scott McTominay is doubtful, and Bruno Fernandes is a major question mark too. Marcus Rashford is ruled out so Antony could start once again down the right. Mason Mount would start if Fernandes is available.

Man Utd Motivation

United can still finish sixth in the table but they’re at risk of dropping out of the European places altogether.

They need a win here to boost their top six chances whilst Ten Hag needs a victory to ease pressure on his job.

Key Stats

Crystal Palace have won 3 of their last 4 matches (2 wins in 13 before that)

Palace have scored 11 goals in their last 5 matches

Man Utd have won 1 of their last 6 EPL matches

Manchester United have scored 2+ goals in 5 of their last 6 matches

Man Utd have seen Over 2.5 goals in 13 of their last 16 league matches

Verdict

This should be an exciting game under the lights at Selhurst Park. If Eze and Olise are fit to start, there is good value on a Palace victory. We should see goals on Monday evening.

Best Bet: Over 3.5 goals at 2.25
Alternate Bet: Crystal Palace Win at 2.30
Goalscorer Tip: Mateta to score anytime at 2.40

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