Premier League: All about Manchester United vs Crystal Palace
Jose Mourinho believes his side Manchester United can be in the top four and we would get a glimpse of their progression on Saturday. United face Crystal Palace in a crunch Premier League battle at Old Trafford. 8th-placed United need a win at any cost in order to prevent themselves from going further down the table. Here is more about this clash.
Team news and selection
United have some of their main assets returning from injury. Paul Pogba, who missed the derby defeat against Manchester City is available for selection. The likes of Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Marouane Fellaini are all fit. Luke Shaw misses out due to suspension. Palace too breathe better with Wilfried Zaha, James Tomkins and Aaron Wan-Bissaka all back for this tie.
Inconsistent United need a victory tonight
United have been enduring a poor season so far and lie a distant eight in the table. They lost 1-3 against Manchester City at the Etihad in the game-week 12. They are 12 points adrift of leaders City (32). A win will help them stay in the top half. A loss means they could drop to 10th if other teams get the desired results.
Views from both camps
Jose has targeted December end as a period where he could get a fair idea about United's position. He said, "Twenty-four points for us to fight (for), 24 points for the other ones that are in the top four to fight (for) too, but I believe we are going to be there." Palace manager Roy Hodgson wants his side to replicate recent shows.
United need a positive show against Palace
United face Young Boys in the Champions League Group H fixture this coming week and they would want to go into it, beaming with confidence. Jose will be keen to keep Palace quiet, which will target a shady defensive unit of the hosts. With fans demanding some good football, the Old Trafford club has the opportunity to bounce back from the City defeat.
Players to watch out for
Anthony Martial has been in supreme form and has netted 6 goals already in the Premier League. He will carry the threat on the left flank and try to create issues for Palace's defense. Further, in focus would be Juan Mata, who could make his 200th appearance for the club. For Palace, the talisman Zaha holds key in unlocking the United's back four.
Key stats: United vs Palace
United are on a six-match winning run against Palace. They haven't lost against Palace in 18 EPL encounters. Palace have lost 11 successive matches at Old Trafford. If United concede, then they would equal a record for shipping in goals in 9 successive league matches. Palace are winless in their last 7 matches across all competitions. Martial could score in 6th successive EPL match.
When and where to watch the match?
The match is to be held at Old Trafford and is scheduled for a 8:30 PM IST kick-off. One can watch the match live on Star Sports Select 2/HD. The match can be streamed on Hotstar for fans who have subscription.
