Manchester United welcome Crystal Palace on Saturday, September 30, 2023, in another installment of this breathtaking fixture, in less than a week.
Erik Ten Hag’s side defeated the Eagles comfortably in the Carabao Cup 3rd round and they will be hoping to continue in that stead in the Premier League.
The Red Devils are aiming for a third consecutive victory across all competitions, which could send a message to rivals of their return to impressive form.
Manchester United secured a 1-0 away league win over Burnley on Saturday, September 23, 2023, before strolling past Crystal Palace at Old Trafford
Erik Ten Hag’s side sit 9th on the Premier League table, with 9 points from 6 matches, and a victory on Saturday could catapult them close to the top 4, as they are currently 5 points away from those positions.
The 20-time English top-flight division Champions can be confident of a victory on Saturday, given their form against Crystal Palace.
The Red Devils have been victorious in their last 16 home meetings with the Eagles in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace appear to be experiencing a calamitous patch, after having an impressive start to the season that saw them record three wins from 5 matches across all competitions.
They started the season by defeating Sheffield United 1-0, before losing to Arsenal also by a lone goal.
However, they drew 1-1 with Brentford in the league and then smashed Plymouth Argyle 4-2.
They followed that up with a 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace, but since then, it has been more thorns than roses for the club.
Roy Hodgson’s side lost 3-1 to Aston Villa at Villa Park, before sharing the spoils with Fulham at Selhurst Park.
Manchester United smashed Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup
As earlier indicated, traveling to Old Trafford ended in more woes for the club, as they lost emphatically by 3-0.
Crystal Palace sit 10th in the Premier League table, and they have found it hard to pick up positive results away from Selhurst Park.
The Eagles have secured victory in 3 of their last 14 away matches since the start of 2023, as they have only defeated relegated Leeds United, and Southampton, alongside newly promoted Sheffield United.
Both fixtures at Old Trafford last season ended with Manchester United raking up 4 points from a possible 6.
Crystal Palace drew 1-1 with Erik Ten Hag’s side in the first leg last season and then lost 2-1 at Old Trafford.
Almost every indicator tips Manchester United as favorites for the riveting clash on Saturday, September 30, 2023.
Team news for Manchester United
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Amad Diallo, and Kobbie Mainoo will be absent from the clash due to injury.
Some players of the Red Devils are still battling off-field issues and as such, Antony and Jadon Sancho will not be available for the clash.
Antony is currently battling personal issues and has been granted some time out by Manchester United, while Sancho is yet to settle his issue with manager Erik Ten Hag.
Scott Mctominay, Christian Eriksen, and Sergio Reguilon are expected to return to the Matchday squad after dealing with illness in the past couple of days.
Lisandro Martinez is also set for a return to the first XI, as manager Ten Hag was not ready to risk him for the Carabao Cup clash due to a foot injury.
Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Rasmus Hojlund are expected to start in the encounter, while Sofyan Amrabat should make his full league debut on Saturday, September 30, 2023.
Dean Henderson, who was forced off injured during the Carabao Cup clash against Crystal Palace wouldn’t feature due to injury.
Team News for Crystal Palace
Michael Olise, Matheus Franca, Jefferson Lerma, and James Tomkins also remain sidelined as a result of injury.
Odsonne Edouard and Naouirou Ahamada are both doubtful for the clash, alongside Jairo Riedewald, and they will be assessed before the commencement of action on Saturday, September 30, 2023.
Should Edouard be absent from the visit to Old Trafford, Jean-Philippe Mateta will continue to be saddled with goalscoring responsibilities.
Eberechi Eze is also expected to start against Manchester United, after featuring from the bench against Erik Ten Hag’s side.
Manchester United’s potential starting lineup:
Onana, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Reguilon, Casemiro, Amrabat, Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford, and Hojlund
Crystal Palace’s potential starting lineup:
Johnstone, Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell, Hughes, Doucoure, Ayew, Eze, Schlupp, and Mateta
Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Crystal Palace
Despite Roy Hodgson’s track record of conjuring impressive results against Manchester United at Old Trafford, victory on Saturday, September 30, 2023, looks to be unrealistic and almost impossible.
The Red Devils are gradually getting their rhythm and as such victory against Crystal Palace will give them a morale-booster going into subsequent matches.
Manchester United showed confidence in possession on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, and they equally turned it into meaningful goals. That should be expected on Saturday, September 30, 2023.
Kick Off Time: 03:00 PM (BST)
