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A Manchester United side in turmoil but coming from a gritty win will host a Crystal Palace side who have just won one game in their last five. The Red Devils will again be looking at their captain Bruno Fernandes for inspiration, whereas Roy Hodgson will want Eberechi Eze to find his firing form. The game will start at 3 pm BST on Saturday at the Old Trafford.
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace predicted lineups and team news
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Erik Ten Hag’s side is ninth in the table after they endured a difficult start on and off the field as the Manchester club is plagued by injury. Fans will be hoping that new signing Sofyan Amrabat alleviates some of the concern around the midfield which has been a problem position in particular.
Crystal Palace sits just one place behind United in the table, which isn’t bad considering the fact that they lost Wilfried Zaha for a free transfer in this summer window. Injuries to star winger Michael Olise and summer signing Matheus França haven’t helped manager Roy Hodgson either.
Team news: Manchester United
The return of Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay from illness will bolster the midfield along with Mason Mount who featured in the Carabao Cup for 45 minutes. However, the freakish injury spree that has ruled out all three of Manchester United’s senior left-back along with Lisandro Martinez who can play that position is a major cause for concern.
— Player availability 📋
— Trusting our youngsters 👨🎓
— #MUNCRY 🆚Hear more from our manager ahead of Saturday 👇#MUFC || #PL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 29, 2023
Ten Hag is likely to stick with his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation though, using Amrabat as a makeshift left-back as he did in the Carabao Cup. Jonny Evans will retain his place for his excellent display against Burnley; as will youngster Hannibal Mejbri. Bruno is most likely to operate from the right again, with Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund making up the rest of the attack.
Manchester United predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)
Onana; Dalot, Evans, Varane, Amrabat; Casemiro, Mount; Rashford, Fernandes, Mejbri; Hojlund.
Team news: Crystal Palace
While not as lengthy as the Red Devils’, the Eagles have a concerning injury list of their own. New goalkeeper and former United boy Dean Henderson will be out, however, the bigger blow will be the unavailability of their top scorer Odsonne Édouard and inform midfielder Jefferson Lerma. The duo of Naouirou Ahamada and Jaïro Riedewald are also doubts.
The Eagles also prefer the 4-2-3-1 formation and prefer to play a mid-block to stay in shape for breaking quickly after winning the ball. Will Huges is the man likely to partner Cheick Doucouré in the double pivot and the pace of Jordan Ayew will be a key counter-attacking weapon. Jean-Philippe Mateta will lead the attack in the absence of Édouard.
Crystal Palace predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)
Johnstone; Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Hughes, Doucoure; Ayew, Eze, Schlupp; Mateta.
Will Antony start?
There has been much controversy surrounding the case of Manchester United winger Antony Matheus following the allegations of abuse against him. The Brazilian right-winger is back after being away from the squad for a while. The 23-year-old has started training and will be available for selection but he will not feature in the game against Palace.
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