Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

Matthew O’Regan is on hand with his Manchester United vs Crystal Palace prediction preview. The Red Devils won comfortably in Romania mid-week, making it three wins in a row after scraping past Rangers and Fulham in the Premier League the week before. The visitors’ six game unbeaten run was thwarted at home to London rivals Brentford in a 1-2 loss. 

Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Prediction: Mainoo In The 10

England, Premier League, Sunday , February 2nd, 14:00 (UK)

Manchester United currently sit 12th in the league, 12 points off the top four in a dismal season that has seen them switch managers half way through the campaign. The Red Devils’ have been disappointing at Old Trafford, losing four of their last five in front of their own fans. The 2-3 loss against Nottingham Forest and 0-3 loss to Bournemouth epitomised their defensive struggles, conceding a soft goal from set pieces. They then lost 0-2 to Newcastle in a game the visitors dominated from minute one, before scraping past Southampton thanks to a late Amad Diallo hat trick. 

The United faithful came crashing back down to earth after a humbling 1-3 defeat against Brighton – another game where they were second best. Crystal Palace also lost, losing 1-2 to Brentford, thwarting their six game unbeaten run. The Eagles have shown some fight over Oliver Glasner in recent weeks to pull themselves away from a relegation battle and now sit just one place and two points off Sunday’s visitors. 

Palace have struggled defensively, conceding 30 goals and keeping just six clean sheets. 

Manchester United travelled to Romania on Thursday night and left unscathed with a 0-2 win. Ruben Amorim played his usual 5-2-2-1 formation with Kobbie Mainoo and Christian Eriksen trusted as the two tens, giving youngster Toby Collyer the chance to impress in the double pivot. Mainoo in particular shone, laying on an assist for Diogo Dalot after 60 minutes, before scoring himself eight minutes later. 

The 19-year-old was the star man throughout, registering three shots and two on target in a commanding performance. Last season, Mainoo had a respectable goal record, scoring five goals in 32 games. However, in a more advanced position, he should see an upturn in shot opportunity. 

In the post-match press conference, Amorim said that “I put Mainoo in the number 10 position… we need time to understand the players as he was struggling a lot defending as a midfielder. As a ten he was so free playing the ball near the box.” These quotes suggest that Amorim sees Mainoo’s future in the ten role – meaning he should present value in the goalscoring market for the next few weeks. 

• Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Prediction: Kobbie Mainoo To Score (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 9.50
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 3/10 (TRACKED BET)

Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Prediction odds via bet365 as at 23:00, Thursday 30th January, 2025. Odds may now differ.

Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups Prediction: Injury Woes For Eagles

Crystal Palace were rocked with the news that midfield Malian powerhouse Cheick Doucoure would be missing until the end of the season with a bad injury. The 25-year-old won player of the season in his debut season but has been riddled with injuries since. His midfield partner Adam Wharton is also out with a groin injury, joining Chadi Riad, Joel Ward and Mathues Franca on the injury list. 

Luke Shaw and Mason Mount have had their fair-share of injury issues in their career and miss out again on Sunday, joining veteran defender Jonny Evans on the sideline. 

Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez, Mazraoui; Fernandes, Ugarte; Amad, Mainoo; Zirkzee

Crystal Palace possible starting lineup:
Henderson; Munoz, Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Mitchell; Hughes, Lerma; Sarr, Eze; Mateta

Match OPTA Stats

• Manchester United have failed to score in any of their last three Premier League games against Crystal  Palace – they last went four league games without a goal against an opponent between 1981 and 1983 (vs  Arsenal). 
• Crystal Palace have won five of their last 11 Premier League games against Man Utd (D3 L3), having been  winless in 22 league games against them before this (D4 L18). 
• Having won just two of their first 22 away league games against Manchester United between 1922 and  2018 (D3 L17), Crystal Palace have now won three of their last five visits to Old Trafford (L2). 
• Manchester United have won two of their last three Premier League games (L1), more than in their  previous seven combined (W1 D1 L5). Ruben Amorim is looking for consecutive wins for the first time in  his 13th game in charge, with Tommy Docherty in 1972-73 the last United manager to have as long a wait  for back-to-back league wins from the start of his reign (14th game). 
• Crystal Palace have won four of their last five away Premier League matches (D1), winning more away  points than anyone else since the start of December (13). Palace last won three consecutive away games  in April and May 2019. 

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