Manchester United’s pursuit of a top-five Premier League finish continues on home soil this weekend, as Crystal Palace visit Old Trafford.
No team has collected more points in the English top flight since Michael Carrick returned to the Theater of Dreams, with United’s resurgence putting them in an excellent position to play in next season’s Champions League.
After five wins and one draw under Carrick, they are fourth with 48 points from 27 games. Instead of looking down to Chelsea and Liverpool, United should target third-placed Aston Villa. The Villans are only three points better and are likely to be dragged into a top-five dogfight.
The Red Devils’ positive momentum continued with a hard-fought win at Everton on Monday night, with Benjamin Cesco completing a clever counterattack to ensure a vital win.
Palace, meanwhile, are ten points clear of the drop zone and will certainly put all their eggs in the Conference League basket soon, heading into the last 16 of the competition on Thursday night. Oliver Glasner’s side beat Zrinjski Mostar 2–0 at Selhurst Park to secure a 3–1 aggregate win. AEK Larnaca awaits in the next round.
Man Utd vs Crystal Palace Score Prediction
Man Utd’s pace is too difficult to handle
While Liverpool will be hoping to beat West Ham United at Anfield on Saturday, Chelsea travel to league leaders Arsenal after the Man Utd clash on Sunday. Thus, the Red Devils have a big chance to open a six-point gap between themselves and the Blues this weekend.
They won 2–1 in the reverse fixture when Ruben Amorim was still in charge, but Palace have recently enjoyed victories in their last two visits to Old Trafford.
However, the good feeling towards Glasner’s Eagles has worn off, and they do not appear to be playing as much in the Premier League.
- Fresh Red Devil: Man Utd have undoubtedly benefited from the abundant free weeks, and they enjoyed another week off before the weekend’s action. In contrast, Palace were once again in action on Thursday night, their place in the last 16 not secure until Ivan Gessand struck in stoppage time. Glasner does not have a deep enough squad to oversee the wholesale rotation on Sunday, so the same players will be left out at Old Trafford.
- In-form Benjamin Cesco: The former RB Leipzig striker has scored three times from the bench since Carrick’s arrival, and is certainly on course to start this weekend. Sesko is a fantastic athlete who has demonstrated his hunter instincts in recent weeks. United may be subject to a deep defensive block, and Cesco’s profile would certainly be useful.
- Steely Defense: Not only has Carrick been able to unlock United’s once blunt attack, but his ability to take teams out has also been key to their success. They have kept three clean sheets in their last six and Lisandro Martínez’s absence has not proved costly at Everton.
Prediction: Man Utd 2-0 Crystal Palace
Lisandro Martínez was absent late on Monday night against Everton, and Carrick gave no update on the Argentine’s situation at Friday’s press conference. Assuming he is not fit to return, Lenny Yarrow will partner Harry Maguire in defence.
Given his continued success off the bench, Carrick may eventually be tempted to use Cesco in his starting lineup. The Slovenian international has got his chance, and Amad Diallo is the most likely attacker to leave the team.
United’s XI should otherwise remain the same. They are still without Matthijs de Ligt due to a back injury, while Mason Mount is close to a return but is not yet ready.
Man Utd predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1): Lamens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Manu; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Šeško.
Crystal Palace predicted lineup vs Man Utd
Glasner does not have the team at his disposal to roam freely, and the Austrian, during the final few months of his Palace tenure, may soon prioritize Conference League glory once he records enough Premier League points to all but guarantee survival.
The visitors are without attackers Eddie Nketiah and Jean-Philippe Mateta, but the January signing of Jorgen Strand Larsson has boosted the field. Fellow rookie Evan Gessand has scored in back-to-back games.
Jefferson Lerma is struggling with a hamstring injury and remains on the sidelines, while Cech Doucoure has been out with an 18-month injury bug and a knee problem.
Crystal Palace predicted lineup vs Man Utd (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Canvot; Munoz, Wharton, Hughes, Michelle; Sarr, Strand Larsen, Gessand.
What time does Man Utd vs Crystal Palace start?
- Place: Manchester, England
- stadium: old Trafford
- date: Sunday, March 1
- start time: 2pm GMT/9am ET/6am PT
- Punch:Tom Bramall
- VAR:Craig Pawson
How to watch Man Utd vs Crystal Palace on TV, live stream
|
Country |
TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
|
united kingdom |
Sky Go UK, Now, Sky Go Extra, Sky Ultra HD, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League |
|
United States of America |
Telemundo, NBCSN, Peacock |
|
Canada |
DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, fubo Sports Network 4 Canada |
|
Mexico |
TNT Sports, Max Mexico, TNT Go |
- MORE: Full list of Premier League broadcasters around the world
Read the latest Premier League news, transfer rumors and match reaction
<a href=