Verdict: Manchester United win
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Looking to extend on their Champions League charge on Sunday afternoon, Manchester United will welcome Crystal Palace to Old Trafford.
Manchester United
Starting with the hosts, while many around Old Trafford might have been left shocked last month following Michael Carrick’s return to the red half of Manchester, United have enjoyed a sensational immediate rise under the ex-Middlesbrough boss. Last seen on Monday night clinching a gritty 1-0 victory away at Everton, the Red Devils suddenly have their sights set on booking a lucrative Champions League return over the coming months. In fact, getting Carrick’s tenure underway with a 2-0 victory in the Manchester derby on January 17th, United have registered 13 points from their first five Premier League appearances under their former midfielder. With the mood around Old Trafford at a red-hot high, Sunday’s hosts will be looking to make another public statement this weekend.
Manchester United Team News
Suffering a reported long-term hamstring injury last month, Manchester United will once again be with Danish international Patrick Dorgu this weekend. Hit with an injury setback and missing out away at Everton on Monday night, Carrick’s side are sweating over the fitness of defensive talisman Lisandro Martinez.
Bagging the winner on Merseyside earlier in the week and now notching six goals in his previous seven domestic appearances, the red-hot Benjamin Sesko will be hoping for a full recall. Despite announcing he will be leaving Old Trafford at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, the former Real Madrid ace will start in the middle of the park.
Crystal Palace
As for the visitors, eventually extending on their Europa Conference League adventure on Thursday night as they secured a hard-fought 3-1 aggregate victory against Bosnian outfit Zrinjski, Crystal Palace avoided what would have been an infamous European exit. However, despite snatching a last-gasp winner against Wolves last weekend, the Eagles are dealing with a string of high-profile issues behind the scenes. Although Oliver Glasner might have already announced that he will be leaving Selhurst Park at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, it has been heavily suggested that the Austrian tactician could be set for an imminent exit. Falling to a 2-1 loss when they welcomed a resurgent Manchester United to south London for their reverse Premier League battle on November 30th, Palace will be bracing themselves for another stern examination this weekend.
Crystal Palace Team News
While Jean-Philippe Mateta might have eventually been forced to stay put at Selhurst Park last month, the French striker will not feature here and is dealing with a reported knee injury. Likewise, ex-Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah remains on the sidelines with a long-term thigh issue.
Heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford over the past few months, England international Adam Wharton will start in the middle of the park. Completing a big-money move from Wolves during the January transfer window, new recruit Jorgan Strand Larsen will spearhead Palace’s attack.
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Key Factors to Consider
- When Manchester United and Crystal Palace met for their reverse Premier League showdown on November 30th, the Red Devils claimed a 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park.
- However, Palace have won each of their last two Premier League trips to Old Trafford.
- Man United have registered 13 points from their first five Premier League appearances under Carrick’s guidance.
- Including the winner away at Everton on Monday night, Benjamin Sesko has recorded six goals in his last seven domestic appearances.
- Despite securing a 1-0 win away at bitter rivals Brighton earlier in the month, that is the only away victory Palace have recorded since the start of December.
Conclusion
While Crystal Palace might have remarkably won both of their previous two Premier League trips to Old Trafford, Glasner’s side will be more than aware that they face a far more challenging examination here. Watching Man United embark on a sensational rise since Carrick’s shock return last month, Sunday’s hosts are riding a major wave of momentum. Now with their sights set on securing a lucrative Champions League return this season, United have registered 13 points from their five five Premier League showdowns under the former Middlesbrough boss.
Verdict: Manchester United win
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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