Man United have been on a run since returning to club football after the World Cup break. They have a greater identity and have been able to control the ball against the opponents. Manager Erik ten Hag has turned around a ship that appeared to be sinking at the close of last season and has given the Red Devils fresh energy. Since football resumed, they have played 12 games in all competitions, winning ten and losing one.
They were last in action at home in the Carabao Cup semi final second leg against Nottingham Forest, which they won 2-0 on the night and 5-0 on aggregate.
It is a genuine potential for Manchester United to win their first trophy since 2017, when Jose Mourinho was in charge. It’s a clear indicator of improvement under ten Hag, and the supporters are overjoyed at the idea of ending their trophy drought.
Crystal Palace had a difficult start to the season, facing Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Manchester City, and Chelsea in the first few weeks. Form and results improved marginally shortly after as they entered an easier stretch of games, but the Eagles have yet to go on a sustained run of strong results this season.
Palace have put in good performances over the past few weeks, although results have not always been in their favor. The London club currently sit in 12th place, just five points off 10th placed Chelsea. A finish in the top half of the table will be the aim for Vieira’s men come the end of the season and a consistent run of positive results should help them get over the line.
These two clubs recently met in the league at Selhurst Park, where they completed their postponed GW7 game. Manchester United took the lead in the first half thanks to a wonderful team play, but Crystal Palace would not give up and equalized in the dying seconds thanks to a brilliant Michael Olise freekick to deprive the Mancunians three points. On Saturday, Palace will attempt to put up a similar fight at Old Trafford.
Team News- Manchester United
Manchester United will be without crucial Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen, who has been a key member of the Red Devils’ starting lineup this season. In their FA Cup match, Eriksen was the victim of a horrific tackle from Reading’s Andy Carroll, which resulted in an ankle injury that will keep him out until early May. Signing Deadline in January Marcel Sabitzer was brought in from Bayern Munich to fill the void created by Eriksen’s injury, and he is likely to make his debut.
Diogo Dalot missed the midweek Carabao Cup semifinal against Nottingham Forest due to a hamstring injury and is a doubt for Saturday’s match. Loanee Jack Butland will not be able to play against his parent club.
However, there was some good news for Erik ten Hag and United supporters when Jadon Sancho made his long-awaited comeback to football action against Forest, having being out due to fitness difficulties since mid-October. Anthony Martial also had his first appearance since being pulled off with an injury at halftime in the Manchester Derby, and he made an instant impression, scoring the first goal against Forest.
Team News- Crystal Palace
Wilfried Zaha, Crystal Palace’s talisman and outstanding player, will miss a return to his previous club after sustaining a hamstring injury in their 1-1 draw with Newcastle United. The winger limped out of the draw at Selhurst Park, and examinations revealed a hamstring rupture that will keep him out for six weeks. Joachim Andersen, who suffered a calf injury against Chelsea two weeks ago, is also scheduled to miss the game. The Dane is reported to be close to a return, but the game against United will be too soon for him.
Palace have done some good business in January as they attempt to add depth to their squad. Vieira has signed Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga on loan until the end of the season, as well as VFB Stuttgart central midfielder Naouirou Ahamada for €12 million. Both will be available for the encounter at Old Trafford, but it is unclear if the manager believes they are ready to play.
Match Prediction-
Manchester United 2-0 Crystal Palace
