Consistency Test at Selhurst Park

Jakarta, Todaysgist.com – Crystal Palace and Manchester United will be looking to continue their winning ways when they clash at Selhurst Park on Saturday (21/9/2024), a test of consistency for both sides after failing to produce their best performances in their first four Premier League games of 2024/2025.

Crystal Palace are winless in four games. The Eagles suffered back-to-back defeats in London derbies earlier in the season but have maintained an unbeaten record since. Oliver Glasner’s side have drawn their last two Premier League games, although they did shine in the EFL Cup with a 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers in midweek.

On the other hand, Manchester United‘s performance has not been consistent since the beginning of the season. Since the international break, the Red Devils have managed to record two consecutive wins. Erik ten Hag hopes that the inconsistency seen after the defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool will not come back to haunt his team.

In last season’s meeting, Crystal Palace managed a convincing 4-0 win over Manchester United. Michael Olise scored twice, while Jean-Philippe Mateta and Tyrick Mitchell added to the tally. The Eagles.

There is positive news for Oliver Glasner ahead of this match. Despite losing three first-team players, the Crystal Palace manager still has strong options to face Manchester United.

Trevoh Chalobah is close to a return and will undergo a fitness test to confirm his availability. However, Chadi Riad (knee) and Matheus Franca (rib) are still out, while Rob Holding is unavailable due to a bust-up with Glasner.

Dean Henderson is expected to be the starting goalkeeper in a 3-4-1-2 formation in front of him. The back line will be made up of Nathaniel Clyne, Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix, while Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell act as wing-backs to support the attack.

In midfield, Adam Wharton and Cheick Doucoure will be the mainstays to neutralize Bruno Fernandes’ movements. Eberechi Eze will act as the main creator of attacks, with Eddie Nketiah and Jean-Philippe Mateta as the spearheads.

In the Manchester United camp, Erik ten Hag also received positive news regarding the condition of the players. Despite losing four core players, The Red Devils squad remain optimistic about the match at Selhurst Park.

Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund have returned to training after recovering from hamstring injuries, although Saturday may be too early for either to feature. However, Luke Shaw (calf), Victor Lindelof (toe), Leny Yoro (foot) and Tyrell Malacia (knee) are all still out.

Andre Onana will return to guard the goal, with a 4-2-3-1 formation as the mainstay. The back line will be strengthened by Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, and Diogo Dalot.

In midfield, Manuel Ugarte could make his Premier League debut, alongside Kobbie Mainoo. Bruno Fernandes will continue as the main playmaker, supported by Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford on the wings. Joshua Zirkzee will be the lone striker up front.

Before the international break, Marcus Rashford had struggled for goals, failing to find the net throughout the first month of the 2024/25 season. However, the England forward has bounced back with impressive performances in the last two games. Rashford is now expected to continue his positive trend, including against Crystal Palace.

Crystal Palace may be feeling confident after beating Manchester United twice last season, but the Red Devils will be hoping to continue their winning run after picking up back-to-back wins last week.

However, the difference in form between the two teams at the moment is not that significant. Both teams show weaknesses in defense, but Manchester United are expected to have enough quality to get three points.

Predicted line-ups:
Crystal Palace (3-4-1-2): Henderson; Clyne, Guehi, Lacroix; Munoz, Wharton, Doucoure, Mitchell; Eze; Nketiah, Mateta

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Onana; Mazraoui, de Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Ugarte, Mainoo; Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee