Preview
After defeating City 2-1 in the Manchester Derby over the weekend, Manchester United’s team is still on a roll. Before that game, Ten Haag had already become the quickest United manager to 20 victories, and nothing seemed to stand in their way now. Although it’s important to note that the previous five triumphs were all decided by a single goal, United is expected to record its sixth away victory in the league this season.
The Eagles had a decent start to the season but have since hit a rough patch, losing four of their previous five matches in the top division. Palace claimed a 1-0 win in May when these sides met in the corresponding fixture last season in the final round of fixtures but a repeat result looks unlikely.
The Eagles have had four defeats in five games since the World Cup break and failed to score in their last two league games.
Manchester United thrillingly won the derby match on Saturday, and they’ll be looking to build on that result on Wednesday against Crystal Palace.
United should be able to take advantage of this opportunity against their uninspired hosts to move into second place with a win at Selhurst Park, at least for the next 24 hours while Manchester City plays Tottenham on Thursday.
We are certainly going to see a lot of action here today, and we can count on both teams to do just that.
Form Guide: Crystal Palace
In their last five league games, Palace has only scored once, a 2-0 victory at Bournemouth on New Year’s Eve. They lost 1-0 against Chelsea on Sunday, but the game was closer than the score indicates, with Kepa Arrizabalaga of the Blues being forced to make excellent saves from Michael Olise and Jeffrey Schlupp.
However, the Eagles defense was frequently exposed, so it came as little surprise when Kai Havertz put the hosts ahead after 64 minutes. Late in the game, Cheick Doucoure once more tried Arrizabalaga from long range, but Patrick Vieira was left complaining about being the victim of some poor choices.
Although they have a game in hand on Chelsea, the Eagles are currently 12th in the table and six points off the top half. There was a lot to appreciate about this Palace team during the autumn, but as the weather has gotten colder, the Eagles’ results have proven harder to come by.
Vieira admitted that his team’s performance had him frustrated, but he also had some issues with referee Peter Bankes at Stamford Bridge. However, Vieira must put aside his issues with the officials as he looks to give Palace their second victory in their past six Premier League games.
Form Guide: Manchester United
After beating City 2-1 in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, United had no complaints about the referees After Marcus Rashford was initially ruled to have been offside, Bruno Fernandes controversially scored to tie the score after Jack Grealish had given the visitors the lead.
The dynamic young winger Alejandro Garnacho then set up Rashford to score the game-winning close-range goal shortly after. Although it’s debatable whether the equalizer should have remained, United was still able to win nine games in a row overall. With five of those victories coming in league play, the Red Devils are now just nine points adrift of league-leading Arsenal and one point behind City.
A win on Wednesday would be sufficient to move Ten Hag’s team into second place for the time being even if Arsenal might potentially extend their lead over Man United to double digits when the Red Devils visit the Emirates over the weekend.
Manchester United hasn’t won 10 straight games across all competitions since Sir Alex Ferguson’s era in 2009, but Ten Hag watched in dismay from the stands as Palace defeated the Red Devils 1-0 at Selhurst Park in the final weekend of the previous season. The hosts have only lost twice in their last six meetings with their esteemed guests.
How the game could go
The possibility of losing Andersen is a painful blow to a squad that has struggled to keep the back door closed at home throughout the winter, even though Palace has historically been something of a bogey team for Man United.
Even with Zaha leaving with a point to prove, if Man United can score first, the in-form Red Devils can feel safe in holding the goal-shy Eagles at bay. We, therefore, predict Ten Hag’s team to extend their winning streak into double digits with a clean sheet in tow.
Erik ten Hag’s side has only conceded twice in their seven-game winning run since the World Cup and can claim another win to nil, as Palace have failed to score in four of their last five league games.
Betting Predictions
Manchester United to Win
We can’t see this game ending in anything but a Man Utd victory despite the recent meetings between these two clubs being fairly even. Man Utd has won two, drawn one, and lost two of their last five league meetings with the Eagles but the visitors head into Wednesday’s clash as the clear form favorite. Palace has lost four of their last five matches in all competitions, while the Red Devils have picked up six wins from six matches since their return to action following the World Cup. Bet9ja have 1.84, 1xbet have 1.85 and Paripesa have 1.85 odds.
Over 2.5 goals
Given that the most recent friendly between these two clubs in the summer included four goals and a 3-1 victory for Manchester United, there is a strong probability that we will be treated to at least three goals in this encounter. Our prediction is strengthened by the fact that over 2.5 goals have been scored in four of Crystal Palace’s previous six competitive and non-competitive games in all competitions and at least three goals have been scored in five of Man Utd’s last six games. Bet9ja have 1.88 odds, Paripesa have 1.98, and 1xbet have 1.98 odds.
Anytime Goalscorer (Crystal Place)
Zaha
Zaha has already scored three Premier League goals against Man United and could set a new record for players to have previously played for the 20-time English champions with a fourth. He has been below par in his performances lately and this match could provide the shift. Bet9ja have 4.00 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 3.35.
Anytime Goalscorer (Manchester United)
Marcus Rashford
As United have scored exactly three goals in four of their last six games in all competitions, a 3-0 victory for the visitors seems likely. Man of the moment Marcus Rashford is the standout scorer choice as he has found the back of the net in every game since returning from Qatar, totaling eight goals. Bet9ja have 3.10 odds for him to score while Paripesa has 2.75 odds
Christian Eriksen
With six assists to date, Man Utd’s summer acquisition from Brentford has adapted to ten Hag’s squad like a duck to water, contributing twice as many as any of his United teammates have so far this season. For the Red Devils, Eriksen has contributed significantly in front of goal, but how he is deployed has a lot to do with it. He might also score now that United appears more assured. Bet9ja have 6.50 odds for him to score while Paripesa have 5.60.
Football Lover. All-round junkie of the beautiful game. Could be found watching football most of the time. If not he’s writing about them or making some punditry you don’t agree with. A certain bias for Arsenal and Santos FC.
