Manchester United vs Crystal Palace
Manchester United will look to get back on track here in the Premier League as they host Crystal Palace on Saturday evening.
The last time these two sides met in mid-January, the Red Devils were poised to claim all three points when they led in the first half. However, they had to settle for one point when the Eagles scored a late goal in added time.
The Red Devils missed their chance to move higher in the standings, especially after losing to Arsenal in the following game.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are fresh from another draw against Newcastle United on Sunday, and they remain in 12th place.
With the scene shifting to Old Trafford, can the Eagles steal points away from the Red Devils once more?
Talking Points
Sabitzer to make his Manchester United debut?
The loss of Christian Eriksen is a huge setback for Manchester United, as he’s out for at least two months because of an ankle injury he suffered against Reading. So, kudos to Manchester United for acting quickly by bringing in Marcel Sabitzer on loan from Bayern Munich.
Sabitzer lost his place at Bayern Munich in recent months since he’s playing behind the likes of Jamal Musiala, Leon Goretzka, and Joshua Kimmich, so going to Old Trafford offers the Austrian a platform to prove himself once more.
He has made 54 appearances for Bayern Munich since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2021 for €16-M. He has a contract with the defending Bundesliga champions until 2025, but reports claim that he wants to leave the club permanently in the summer.
The 28-year-old is a shrewd addition given the short notice, and he can make his debut against the Eagles. If he starts, he will likely be paired with Casemiro, while Bruno Fernandes will remain as their No. 10.
Sabitzer can play as a No. 10, striker, or even winger in addition to his primary position as a central midfielder, providing Erik ten Hag with extra options.
Unlike Eriksen, Sabitzer has a high work rate, and he’s an outstanding presser of the ball. He also has an eye for goals.
Huge injury blow for Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace have yet to win this year, but Patrick Vieira is pleased with the heart his team showed. They had to play three games in six days, and they came out with two points against two top-four hopefuls.
After Michael Olise’s heroics against Manchester United, Vicente Guaita did the same against Newcastle United with his timely saves en route to a 0-0 draw.
The Eagles will need more from these two since they received the bad Premier League 2023 news that Wilfried Zaha is out for at least six weeks due to a hamstring injury he sustained against the Magpies.
The Ivory Coast talisman is their top scorer with six goals and three assists this season. He has been a near ever-present for Crystal Palace this season, starting all but one of their league games.
History
Manchester United have won just one of their last five Premier League matches against Crystal Palace (D2, L2) and are winless in their last two. The Red Devils have yet to go winless in three straight league games against the Eagles since October 1970.
After Bruno Fernandes put Manchester United ahead before halftime, Michael Olise replied with a beautiful free-kick in the 91st minute to take points away from the Red Devils in their most recent meeting (1-1).
But the Red Devils are confident since they’re playing at home this time. Erik ten Hag’s side has won their last five league home games and 12 overall across all competitions.
Their home-game winning streak is the longest active streak among clubs in Europe’s top five leagues this term. They’re unbeaten in their last 14, level with Newcastle United, PSG, and Napoli.
Betting Tip
Manchester United are backed by the SBOTOP Premier League 2023 odds for this fixture, and their edge over Crystal Palace is bigger since the game is to be played at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are installed at 1.38, while a victory for the Eagles is priced at 8.00, and a draw is set at 4.50 in the 1X2 market. Total Goal 2-3 at 1.99 is another bet to think about.
Crystal Palace have been something of a bogey team for Manchester United. But the hosts have already learned their lesson from their last encounter, so they will be more composed in the end after making another strong start.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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