MATCH PREVIEW - MANCHESTER UNITED v CRYSTAL PALACE

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TRIVIA

Venue - Old Trafford, Manchester
Kick Off - Saturday, September 19 - 17:30 GMT 
                 Saturday, September 19 - 22:00 IST

Manchester United kick off their season against Crystal Palace in a late start due to their European commitments in the previous season. Manchester United come into the season with high hopes and look to achieve their goal of being in the top 4 yet again this season. The Red Devils do not have the firepower to challenge for the title but you never know in this league(at least I hope so). Still this game will lay the marker on things to come in a long season one that once again involves Champions League football. Till now, United have made only one signing - Donny Van de Beek in what has been an underwhelming window for them so far. Many players continue to be linked to the club but Ed Woodward as he has shown time and time again has failed to complete these deals as he always seems to overpay for average players and doesn't seem to be willing to pay a worthy sum for a world class talent - case in point Jadon Sancho. 

As for Crystal Palace, the have still managed to hold on to Wilfred Zaha (for now) and have tried to address their striker issue by bringing in Michy Batshuayi on loan from Chelsea and signing Nathan Ferguson on a free to cover the defensive hole. Palace have always been formidable opponents and they won for the first time at Old Trafford last season courtesy of a late goal by Patrick Van Aanholt who beat De Gea at his near post. In the return fixture the Red Devils had the better of the Eagles and they beat them 2 - 0 in an empty Selhurst park. For Palace, they couldn't have asked fro a better start as they beat Southampton who were the feel good story of last season and managed to keep Danny Ings quiet after what was his best season. To replicate it will be difficult as United boast of one of the best attacks in England.


TEAM FORM

It's kind of irrelevant now that the slate has been wiped and a new season begins. Manchester United lost their only friendly to Aston Villa 1 - 0 and before that were underwhelming in the Europa League possibly due to fatigue as they had to rely on late strikes to win games but lost the semi-final against the then to be champions Sevilla. 

As for Crystal Palace they defeated Southampton in the Premier League match week 1 but lost to now relegated Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup on penalties (11 - 10).


TEAM NEWS

Crystal Palace will be without Gary Cahill, Nathan Ferguson, James Tomkins and Patrick van Aanholt  who are all injured. Christian Benteke trained with the first team and could be among the substitutes. Captain Luka Milevojevic might be fit enough to start after coming off the bench in the win against Southampton.

As for Manchester United Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe will be absent so it could mean that youngster Teden Mengi may be among the substitutes. Aaron Wan Bissaka is a doubt as he was forced to quarantine after his holiday in Dubai and may not be deemed match fit as he hasn't trained much with the team. Paul Pogba is also a doubt after the Frenchman was tested positive for Covid-19 and could be among the substitutes handing Donny Van de Beek his full debut. Mason Greenwood may also be in line to miss the opening game as he was pulled out of the England first team and was forced to train alone due to quarantine restrictions.

PREDICTED TEAM

Solskjaer will look to play his preferred 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 formation. Luke Shaw should be fit to start after he missed the remainder of last season due to injury. Diogo Dalot may be in to start the game if Aaron Wan Bissaka doesn't play and Donny Van de Beek could be handed his full debut. Up top Martial and Rashford should be confirmed starters with the hanging question of whether Mason Greenwood or Dan James starts on the RW. Another selection headache for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be the goalkeeper position but i think De Gea will hold on to the spot for some time and will be re-evaluated after some time. This is my predicted lineup for the game...


PLAYER TO WATCH OUT FOR

BRUNO FERNANDES : This one is easy. Manchester United's new talisman after a strong start to life in England will look to go from strength to strength in his first full season. A born leader he has changed the dynamic of the dressing room as he has instilled a winning mentality which makes United extremely dangerous. His ability to create something out of nothing will come in handy as Palace like to defend in a low block. Our set piece expert hasn't missed from the penalty spot in 4 years and he would like to continue that record when called upon. 



VERDICT

Varun's predcition : Manchester United 3 - 0 Crystal Palace

Hitanshu's prediction : Manchester United 2 - 0  Crystal Palace. Rashford and Martial to score with Rashford and Bruno assisting
Blogger at The Devil's Den https://the-devilsden.blogspot.com/

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