Another week of Premier League football comes too soon as second-placed Manchester United lock horns with Crystal Place, who are currently sitting ten places below them in the points table. Coming off the back of a 0-0 draw against Fulham, Roy Hodgson will be hoping to pick up a positive result against the Red Devils on Wednesday.
The English tactician will probably opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation; however, he might keep changes to a minimum for the upcoming home encounter.
4-2-3-1 Crystal Palace Predicted Lineup To Face Manchester United
Defence
Vicente Guaita is expected to start in goal for the Eagles, having kept two clean sheets in his last six league outings. Hodgson could choose to field a back-four consisting of Joel Ward, Cheikhou Kouyate, Gary Cahill, and Patrick van Aanholt, as they look to keep things solid at the back on Wednesday.
However, their prime objective will be to keep the ‘Rashford-Fernandes’ duo quiet throughout the ninety minutes.
Nathaniel Clyne will remain out with a muscle injury.
“And unfortunately, Nathaniel Clyne has picked up a slight muscle injury as well, so I think he’ll be out of the game as well. So the injury list is not better; in fact, it’s one man worse.” – Hodgson revealed.
Midfield
Luka Milivojevic will partner with Jairo Riedewald at the centre of the park; however, they might be assigned very different roles. The latter should take up a more defensive position, shielding the back four, whereas the former will stay central, dictating play with his ball-distribution.
Andros Townsend and Jordan Ayew will occupy the wide positions, playing on the right and left-wing respectively, whereas Eberechi Eze will slot into the attacking midfield role.
“[Zaha] was out on the field today, which was good, training with rehabilitation specialist that we have.” – Hodgson when asked about Wilfried Zaha.
James McCarthy will have to settle for a place on the bench and might come on as an impact substitution if needed.
Attack
Christian Benteke will lead the charge for the Eagles down the middle. The Belgian striker will be looking to make the most of his chances against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men in midweek.
Jean-Philippe Mateta might have to be content with a spot on the bench but could come on to make a cameo appearance in the second half.
