The Big Match Tactical View: Crystal Palace v Man Utd

Crystal Palace v Man Utd
Monday 20:00, Sky Sports Main.
Match Odds: Crystal Palace 7.40, Man Utd 1.58, The Draw 4.20.

United strong favourites

Manchester United recorded an impressive 2-1 victory over Chelsea last time out, and Jose Mourinho will expect his side to return to winning ways in this Monday night trip to Selhurt Park.

Mourinho named his most unusual starting XI of the season last week, deploying his players in a highly unusual 4-2-2-2 system that appeared designed to compete in the centre of the pitch and largely concede space to Chelsea's wing-backs. It's likely that the system was a one-off for the specific task of stopping Antonio Conte's 3-4-3, however, and United are likely to revert to 4-3-3 here.

And that 4-3-3, of course, is the formation that favours the energy and directness of Paul Pogba, and he's likely to start on the left of United's three-man midfield here. Nemanja Matic was excellent against Chelsea and will start in the deep role, presumably with young Scott McTominay playing to the right, in the continued absence of Ander Herrera.

Lingard to return?

Upfront, Mourinho may consider recalling Jesse Lingard after his match-winning header against Chelsea last week, with Romelu Lukaku also set to start after a fine performance.Alexis Sanchez is surely undroppable on the let flank, despite the fact he's done very little for United since his switch from Arsenal in January.

Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial will presumably be on the bench, although Mata's creativity might come in handy against a side likely to defend deep and prevent United from counter-attacking. Perhaps the Spaniard could play on the right, with Lingard tucked into midfield.

Defensively, Victor Lindelhof may continue after a rare solid performance last weekend, despite the fact Eric Bailly is now available again after injury.

Palace injury crisis

Roy Hodgson, however, has serious selection problems here. He might be without up to 14 players, because the likes of James Tomkins and Joel Ward are doubtful and Timothy Fosu-Mensah can't play against his parent club.

A patched-up backline will therefore feature youngster Aaron Wan-Bissaka making just his second Premier League appeared at right-back, while Tomkins seems likely to be risked in the centre of defence alongside Martin Kelly. Jeffrey Schlupp, much more comfortable on the wing than in defence, will continue on the left.

Jairo Riedewald is a natural centre-back and could drop into the back if required, or alternatively could play in central midfield because Yohan Cabaye is out injured. Luka Milovojevic and James McArthur are also likely to start in the engine room.

Wilfried Zaha is not fit to play against his former club, so Andros Townsend will play on one flank with the towering Alexander Sorloth in something of an unfamiliar wide role, making only his third appearance since joining from FC Midtjylland in January. Christian Bentekewill lead the line, but still seems short of either confidence or full match fitness.

In truth, this is a very patched-up Palace side and the likes of Wan-Bissaka and Sorloth are probably not up to the standard required for the Premier League at the moment. The battle between Wan-Bissaka and Sanchez, in particular, could be very one-sided and while the Chilean hasn't yet found form in a United shirt, backing him to score anytime at 2.72looks good value to me.

United's relatively short price away from home reflects Palace's injury problems, so I won't enter the overall betting market here. I'm still not entirely convinced by United's overall performances, there are still questions about their midfield shape, and I think they might find themselves a little short of creativity if Palace defend well in numbers.

The Betfair Trader - Alan Thompson

After beating Chelsea last weekend the Red Devils will head south in good spirits for this meeting with Crystal Palace. United face Liverpool at Old Trafford in the early game next weekend so Jose Mourinho will know that dropping any points here, against a difficult home opponent, would pile the pressure on what is already a massive fixture. They have though won three of their last four visits to Selhurst Park and I think ultimately they will take all three points again.

United know they can’t afford any more slip-ups and worryingly for them they have only won just one of their last four on the road in all competition, failing to score in three of them. While I think they will win, I am not sure I would be rushing to take the 1.60 available in the match odds market.

The Eagles have proved difficult to beat at home this campaign and I am sure Roy Hodgson will look to make this as difficult as possible for United, but their lack of goal threat and long injury list is a major issue for them. Last week it took a late Tottenham winner to secure the points here and I think this could follow a similar theme.

Draw/Manchester United in the Half Time/Full Time market will be my play at anything around 4.80.