Manchester United and Crystal Palace Set for Clash at Selhurst Park

Manchester United return to Premier League action this weekend, facing Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, following a decisive 7-0 victory over Barnsley earlier this week. The Red Devils are aiming for a third consecutive win across all competitions, hoping to build positive momentum in their campaign. Manager Erik Ten Hag has faced criticism for the team’s slow start, despite making tactical changes after last season’s disappointing performances.

Manchester United recently turned their fortunes around with a 3-0 loss earlier in the month, followed by victories against Southampton and Barnsley. Notable performances have seen the likes of Marcus Rashford, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, and Christian Eriksen contributing goals, particularly in the Carabao Cup.

While Manchester United have struggled with London clubs, winning only twice in their last 16 meetings, they aim to change this trend at Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace, fresh from a 2-1 Carabao Cup victory over Queens Park Rangers with goals from Eddie Nketiah and Eberechi Eze, has yet to secure their first Premier League win of the season.

Palace’s recent league performances include draws against Chelsea and another opponent, bringing in two points, while losses to Brentford and West Ham have added pressure. Under the guidance of Oliver Glasner, Palace avoided relegation last season and even finished in the top ten, showing a stark improvement in form.

Team news indicates that Crystal Palace will be without Chadi Riad, Matheus Franca, and Trevoh Chalobah due to injuries. New signing Maxence Lacroix is expected to join Marc Guehi and Nathaniel Clyne in defense. Manchester United, on the other hand, will miss Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, and Tyrell Malacia, also due to injuries. Ten Hag is likely to field a similar lineup to the one used against Southampton after rotating the squad mid-week.

The projected line-ups suggest Crystal Palace will adopt a 3-4-1-2 formation, with Henderson; Clyne, Guehi, Lacroix; Munoz, Wharton, Doucoure, Mitchell; Eze; Nketiah and Mateta leading the charge. Manchester United are expected to play in a 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Ugarte, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee.

Historically, this fixture has delivered goals, and with both teams having talented forwards, another high-scoring encounter is anticipated. Manchester United’s return to form, especially in attack, has been clear, with substantial performances following the international break, while Crystal Palace continues to show defensive vulnerabilities, having conceded the first goal in each of their league games this season.

Both teams will need to address their defensive lapses, with Manchester United’s historical dominance in this fixture potentially giving them a psychological edge. The clash at Selhurst Park is expected to be an open game, with both sides eager for a result to bolster their respective campaigns.