Crystal Palace vs. Manchester United: Team News, Preview, Live Stream & TV Info
Manchester United travel to Crystal Palace knowing that a win will bring them a big step closer to a top-four finish.
With Liverpool not playing until Sunday, Louis van Gaal needs United to arrest their run of poor results with a win over Alan Pardew's Palace. Given United's patchy form on the road this season, it is certainly not a foregone conclusion that the favourites will win this one.
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Pardew's side are on an equally poor run, although they are safe from relegation.
A home win over United would be an excellent memory to take into next season for the Palace faithful. The Selhurst Park atmosphere, combined with the fact that Palace can play with no fear, could make this a tricky trip for the Red Devils.
Date: Saturday, 9 May 2015
Time: 5:30 p.m. BST/12:30 p.m. EDT
Venue: Selhurst Park, London
TV Info: Sky Sports 1 (UK Only) / NBCSN (US Only)
Live Stream: Sky Go (UK Only) / NBC Sports Live Extra (US only)
Form Lines
Crystal Palace: WWLLL
Manchester United: WWLLL
Team News
Palace have a clean bill of health, per Press Association (h/t MailOnline).
United's injury picture is more complex, per MUTV (h/t the club's official website). Michael Carrick has been ruled out for the season. Jonny Evans is available for the bench, but lacking in "match rhythm."
Luke Shaw is available. Marcos Rojo is "on his way back to full fitness," and James Wilson is suffering from a virus which has affected United's dressing room.
Predicted Line-ups
For United, key selection issues include who plays at centre-back, who takes on the Carrick role in midfield and who starts up front. Assuming Shaw is selected, then Daley Blind could once again take on centre-midfield duties, albeit after his performance against Everton, that would lead to some trepidation.
At centre-half, much will depend on Rojo's fitness. If he is ready for action, then expect to see him preferred to Paddy McNair. Robin van Persie may also start up front, particularly if Ander Herrera is deployed in the centre of the park, with Wayne Rooney used in attacking midfield.
From a Palace perspective, Pape Souare's attacking prowess may be preferred to Martin Kelly's defensive discipline, particularly given he will line up against Antonio Valencia on United's right. Pardew has played a variety of line-ups recently, and so starts for any of Joe Ledley, Jordon Mutch and Adrian Mariappa would not come as a huge surprise.
Players to Watch
Yannick Bolasie has had a productive and exciting season for Palace, scoring four goals and providing six assists. While eyes will be on Wilfried Zaha's performance against the club for whom he was unable to make an impact, it is also worth paying attention to Jason Puncheon. Pardew has often played Puncheon as a No. 10, where he has provided good support for Palace's front-men.
United's recent form has been such that none of their splashy superstars have had much impact. How Van Gaal would appreciate Rooney in particular finding goalscoring form.
Angel Di Maria may not make the starting XI, but if he does not, will likely be called upon from the bench. Surely a player of his quality will eventually rediscover his form. It would be excellent timing for him to do so at Palace.
Key Battle
The wings could be the key battle ground in this game. With Zaha and Bolasie on the flanks, Palace certainly do not lack for invention. Both sides' full-backs will be crucial, both in an attacking and defensive sense.
In the centre of midfield, Palace will hope that James McArthur can impose himself on Herrera or Blind. Palace will no doubt take hope from how permeable United's midfield looked on their last away trip, particularly if Blind lines up there.
Odds
The odds for the game, at the time of writing, per Odds Shark are:
Crystal Palace Win: +355
Draw: +264
Manchester United Win: -109
With thanks to Charlie Anderson for his input on Palace.
