Manchester-United-vs-Crystal-Palace

Pre Match
September 14, 2013 12:45 PM BST
Old Trafford — Manchester
Referee:‬ J. Moss‎

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David Moyes has experienced a tough start to life at Old Trafford, and will hope to bounce back from that defeat to Liverpool with a win against Crystal Palace, a team who they have not lost against in the last 8 league meetings between the two sides. United come into the game on 4 points, out of a possible 9, their lowest total for four seasons. What may be even more worrying to Moyes however will be their lack of ability to score in their last two games.

After an impressive away win to Swansea on the opening day, which saw Van Persie and Welbeck both net a brace, United have found goals hard to come by after stalemate at Old Trafford against Chelsea, followed by a defeat against Liverpool in a game United never really looked like winning. However a home fixture against newly promoted Palace will be a game every United fan will expect to come out of with all three points.

As for Crystal Palace, Ian Hollaway will be pleased with the start his team has made to life in the Premier League. They put in a great performance against Spurs on the opening day, only losing to a Soldado penalty. Their home form will be key in their survival, as they threw away a lead at Stoke to eventually lose the game 2-1, but a 3-1 win against struggling Sunderland last time out will give Palace great confidence heading into this fixture. But Palace will be under no illusion how tough a place Old Trafford is to come to, and it may become a case of conceding as a few as possible. Who knows how important this game could be if it goes down to goal difference?

Ian Hollaway’s last visit to Old Trafford was with Blackpool, who gave them a good run for their money, and were unlucky to lose in a great game of attacking football. I’m sure he will be hoping for a repeat of that performance from his Palace players, although it is no easy task to go to United and attack from the first whistle.

Wayne Rooney is not expected to feature due to that head injury sustained in training which saw him miss out on England’s World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine. Phil Jones is carrying a slight knock he sustained at Anfield, so may be replaced by Chris Smalling. Danny Welbeck should feature alongside Robin Van Persie who will be tasked with leading United’s attack.

Jonathan Parr could be set to make a return for Crystal Palace after missing the last 5 months through injury. New signing Barry Banna, alongside loanee Cameron Jerome are both likely to feature at some point at Old Trafford.

Match Facts

  • Crystal Palace won the last meeting between these two sides in the League Cup in November 2011, winning 2-1 after Extra-time during the Fifth Round of the League Cup
  • In the last 8 League meetings, United have won 6 and drawn 2 against Palace
  • Palace last won at Old Trafford in December 1989 with a 2-1 win

Probable lineups

Manchester United (Possible, 4-2-3-1): De Gea; Smalling, Vidic, Evans, Evra; Carrick, Fellaini; Nani, Kagawa, Welbeck; Van Persie.

Crystal Palace (Possible, 4-3-3): Speroni; Ward, Gabbidon, Mariappa, Moxey; Dikgacoi, Bannan, Campana; Puncheon, Chamakh, Gayle.


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