Crystal Palace could really be unfortunate to host a Manchester United side right when they are brimming with confidence. The Eagles, however, have been maddeningly inconsistent this season and Pardew could well see his team stop Mourinho’s men at home.
The Eagles, on the other hand, have netted 10 goals in their last three games, but won only one of them. However, it is their flailing defence that could be a nightmare for Pardew against United, who have turned on the heat in the attacking third of late.
Team News
Crystal Palace
Pardew will continue to miss the services of Steve Mandanda, Connor Wickham and Loic Remy. To add to that burden, Jason Puncheon will miss the game after he got his fifth yellow card of the season. He is expected to be replaced by Yohan Cabaye in the playmaker’s position. Palace might get a big boost if James Tomkins shakes off his injury to start the game.
Manchester United
United will dearly miss the spark created by Mkhitaryan in the match against Tottenham. The Armenian international is expected to miss few weeks and the extent of the injury is not yet fully known. Right-back Antonio Valencia will miss the game with his fifth booking and Darmian will replace him, by swapping flanks. It might give space for Eric Bailly to start as Mourinho might start Rojo on the left.
Predicted Lineups
Crystal Palace- Hennessey; Ward, Delaney, Dann, Tomkins; McArthur, Ledley; Townsend, Cabaye, Zaha; Benteke
Manchester United- De Gea; Rojo, Jones, Bailly, Darmian; Carrick, Herrera, Pogba, Rashford, Mata, Ibrahimović
Key Players
Crystal Palace- Given United’s weak defence, Pardew will expect his lethal wingers to make an immediate impact. Townsend and Wilfred Zaha are expected to give a tough time to the United full-backs. Zaha has scored 2 goals and assisted 7 more in his last seven games. Benteke has been in good form as well, scoring 5 and assisting 1 in his last five games. Apart from them in the attacking third, Palace have an unlikely threat in their anchorman McArthur. The midfielder has been quite effective from the middle of the park.
Manchester United- Mourinho will now rely more on Mata who is the likely replacement for Mkhitaryan. The pace will be missing and United will have to be more creative with their short passes, looking to unlock the Palace defence. Mata has previously shown his composure and will be crucial to United’s result on Wednesday. Ibrahimović has been prolific in his debut season and will be given the responsibility of getting the goals.
Odds
Crystal Palace @ 5.25
Draw @ 4.00
Manchester United @ 1.70
