England Premier League
Sunday 5th December 2021
Kick off at 2pm GMT
Venue: Old Trafford
Match Preview:
At last Ralf Rangnick has arrived at Manchester United and will be in the dug out for this game. Could this be the new chapter that Manchester United have been crying out for?
Michael Carrick who was the care taker manager for 3 games actually left on a high with two wins and one draw beating Villarreal, drawing away to Chelsea, and then overseeing a very enjoyable match where United beat Arsenal 3-2. That victory over Arsenal witnessed Cristiano Ronaldo getting his first league goals since September, he scored two times which means he now has over 800 goals in his career.
United are in seventh place and just 3 points from their objective of a top four position. Recent form has certainly been mixed with 7 points won from their last 15 and at home it is just 1 win in their last five.
Crystal Palace are in 11th place and after a bright and positive start we might be seeing a decline from the Eagles. It has been 3 games since they tasted victory, which came against Wolves a month ago. Palace are still in the mix but another poor month could see the club drop off significantly. Away from home Palace have just 1 victory so far, it is ironic in some ways that it came against the present champions Manchester City so Palace do have good memories this season of visiting Manchester. However it is worth noting that Patrick Vieira’s side are shipping 2 goals per game on average on the road.
Team News:
Manchester United: Edinson Cavani is likely to miss out once again with a tendon injury but no update has been given and he remains 50/50 to feature. Some reports have suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo has a knock but there has been no confirmation from the club. Nemanja Matic has a hamstring injury but it is thought to be minor and should be fine. Luke Shaw still hasn’t played since his head injury and could be assessed. Aaron Wan-Bissaka missed the last game with a hand injury and is a doubt and will need to be assessed. Paul Pogba is out with his on going thigh injury.
Crystal Palace: Joel Ward is suspended for this game as he picked up his fifth yellow card vs Leeds. James McArthur has a hamstring injury and is not due back until next week so is likely to miss out here. Joachim Andersen has a hamstring injury but reports suggest that he has recovered and could play, though he is only 50/50 to do so.
Man Utd vs Crystal Palace Head to Head:
Last season Crystal Palace beat Manchester United 3-1 in this fixture.
It’s been 4 games since Manchester United beat Crystal Palace at Old Trafford and we would have to go back to 2017. It was a game that United won 4-0.
There is a 60% chance to see over 2.5 goals.
The clubs have played 59 games and Manchester United have won 38 of them.
Man Utd vs Crystal Palace Prediction:
Crystal Palace have certainly been a bogey side for United in Manchester over the years, so add that to the mix and with this being Rangnick’s first game this should be an interesting encounter.
Palace have had quite the golden touch coming to Manchester but with how the cards have fallen and the present form of both clubs we are going to back United to go back to their old ways, the ways of when they would put a few goals past Palace. It is a risk because we know how many times United have risen then fallen but it is worth giving Rangnick a chance and the fans will be well behind the club. The midweek victory over Arsenal will have really re-freshened the team going forward and we should see a bold and confident display from the Red Devils.
Palace are going through an average moment and it would be surprising to see them turn the corner this weekend.
Man Utd vs Crystal Palace Betting Tips:
Asian handicap (-1 Man Utd) at 2.01
Anytime goalscorer: Cristiano Ronaldo at 2.00
Half Time Correct Score: Manchester United 1-0 at 3.75
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