Manchester United look to continue a stunning home run as they host Crystal Palace in the Premier League. United have had three cup ties in a row in which they have won three and only conceded once. They now return to Premier League action where United are winless in two. One of these matches was against Crystal Palace in which they not only lost their lead due to a stunning Olise freekick, but also lost Casemiro to a five card suspension. An absence sorely missed at the Emirates.

Now United have home advantage and will look to consolidate further up the table with a big clash between Newcastle and West Ham after their game and City and Tottenham the following day. United must get the three points going into this tricky fixture list. Here’s all you need to know:

Match Information:

Teams: Manchester United and Crystal Palace
Date: Saturday 4th February 2023
KO Time: 15:00 GMT
Stadium: Old Trafford
Managers: Erik ten Hag and Patrick Vieira
Referee: Andre Marriner

Manchester United Team News vs Crystal Palace:

Manchester United welcomed back Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial to the matchday squad against Nottingham Forest. They are likely candidates for the bench so their minutes are regulated. Marcel Sabitzer has been registered in time to be part of the squad for tomorrow’s game. Donny van de Beek, Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen are all out. Diogo Dalot returned to training but is a while away from matchday fitness.

Interesting Facts:

• Manchester United have only won one home game against Crystal Palace in the last five seasons – the 1-0 win on Rangnick’s debut in 2021.
• Manchester United are on a 12 game winning run at Old Trafford since their goalless draw with Newcastle. Incidentally that was the last time Manchester United failed to score in a game this season.
• Fred has scored four goals this season, already equalling his tally from the last campaign and the same tally as he reached in 18/19, 19/20 and 20/21 COMBINED!

Predicted XI:

I would be very surprised to see anyone but David de Gea between the sticks tomorrow. Wan-Bissaka and Shaw are likely to start either side of Varane and Martinez. In midfield, the Brazilian duo of Fred and Casemiro will sit behind Fernandes as I expect Sabitzer to wait for his full debut until midweek. Antony should keep his place while Garnacho may make way for January’s POTM, Marcus Rashford. It may be worth starting Martial for this game but Ten Hag may continue with Weghorst, who has been faultless so far.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Weghorst

Predicted Score:

I expect United to continue their good form, especially with Palace missing Zaha and Andersen. It won’t be a goal fest but I expect a solid and controlled win with no late drama like the reverse leg.

United to win 2-0