After four matches unbeaten in the Premier League, Crystal Palace host an out-of-form Manchester United team on Monday (6 May) night.
Last time out, the Eagles drew 1-1 at Craven Cottage to extend their unbeaten run to four matches, the longest of their season.
Palace currently sit 14th in the Premier League, however, they may have their sights set on overtaking Brighton before the season ends, with their rivals just four points ahead of them.
Manchester United’s form could be described as patchy throughout the whole season; the Red Devils have only won one game in their last six, which was at home to Sheffield United. Their last game was a 1-1 draw, at home to 19th place Burnley.
United will have to end the season strongly to try and get a place in Europe, with the Europa Conference League now looking like their best hope. However, with the form they currently are on, even making Europe seems unlikely.
Eberechi Eze missed Crystal Palace’s last game through injury, and it is not clear yet whether he will be available come Monday night. Marc Guehi, Cheick Doucoure, Jefferson Lerma and Sam Johnstone are all expected to still be out.
Manchester United’s season has been plagued by injuries, especially in the defence. Last weekend, United’s back four was made up of two right backs, a defensive midfielder, and a centre back. Marcus Rashford missed last week's game, but could be back for Monday; the same goes with Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, and Anthony Martial, who have all had extended periods out this season, but could make returns in the final few weeks.
Predicted Crystal Palace starting XI (3-4-3)
Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson
Defence: Chris Richards, Joachim Andersen, Nathaniel Clyne
Midfield: Daniel Munoz, Adam Wharton, Will Hughes, Tyrick Mitchell
Attack: Michael Olise, Jordan Ayew, Jean-Phillipe Mateta
Predicted Manchester United starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
Defence: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot
Midfield: Kobbie Mainoo, Christian Eriksen, Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho
Attack: Rasmus Hojlund
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The stats
Here are key stats ahead of Sunday’s fixture:
- Crystal Palace are guaranteed to finish between 40 and 49 points for the 11th consecutive season
- Four games unbeaten is Crystal Palace’s longest unbeaten run of the season (three wins, one draw)
- Palace are looking to do a league double over Manchester United for the first time in the Premier League era, after their 1-0 win at Old Trafford earlier this season.
Prediction
Crystal Palace are one of the form sides in the league, while Manchester United find themselves struggling. Amazingly, I cannot see any result other than a Crystal Palace win on Monday night.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-0 Manchester United
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