Crystal Palace vs Manchester United Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

Crystal Palace, especially at home against a “Big Six” side, usually employ a disciplined low-to-mid block, but with their recent masterclass performances against United, they will likely aim to go toe-to-toe with the Red Devils. Their strategy is clear, and that is to frustrate, press, and counter with ferocity. They focus on being compact, especially in central areas, when out of possession, and neutralize any attacking threats with a well-organized backline. In transition, the Eagles are fearless and have used their counterattacking style as a deadly weapon. 

Palace are looking comfortable in fifth place on the league table and are growing stronger as each game goes by. The last five games saw the Eagles share the spoils with Bournemouth, narrowly lose to Arsenal at the Emirates, which is nothing to be frowned upon, followed by a victory over Brentford, another stalemate against Brighton, and a comfortable win over struggling Wolves. Although facing United may seem like a tough challenge, Palace are unbeaten at home in six games, giving them that extra boost of motivation to go all in for the win. 

Manchester United seem to have turned a corner, considering how they have largely underperformed during the last few seasons. They are still navigating their way through this rebuilding phase and trying to regain their identity, but have shown positive signs of moving in the right direction. That said, they focus on patient build-ups where they draw players out of position to create and exploit space. Another avenue of attack they have adopted is through wide overloads on the flanks, using the overlapping runs of their full-backs and the dribbling skills of their wingers to create goal-scoring opportunities. 

United have been on a somewhat decent run of form during the last five games, but have still shown uncertainty and a lack of cutting edge. It started with a rival victory over Liverpool, then another convincing win over Brighton, followed by back-to-back draws against Nottingham and Tottenham. Last time out, after an impressive five-game unbeaten run, United were undone by Everton at Old Trafford, a match that saw them lose to 10 men after Idrissa Gueye received a red card in the 13th minute for the Toffees. The Red Devils' struggles continue to outshine their progress, and as they occupy 10th place on the table, a victory here is absolutely crucial.