MATCH PREVIEW - CRYSTAL PALACE VS MANCHESTER UNITED

Manchester United suffered a 1-3 defeat in the reverse fixture
[via American Red Devils]

TRIVIA

Venue - Selhurst Park, London

Kickoff - Wednesday, March 3, 20:15 GMT

               Thursday, March 4, 1:45 IST

Manchester United have been hit and miss so far this season. The team's form has been highly inconsistent. You never know which Manchester United is going to turn up. The Red Devils have managed to keep Real Sociedad and Chelsea at bay in the last 2 matches. Although, they themselves have failed to score in either of the ties.

Manchester United are winless against the "Big 6" this season
[via Reddit]

What's more concerning is Manchester United's record against the traditional "Big Six" of Premier League. The Reds held an excellent record against the Big 6 last season, in fact, one bettered only by Liverpool. Although Solskjaer preferred a back three last season against such opposition over the current back four, the general overlay of the team has been consistent.

The problem lies in misfiring forwards. Martial and Greenwood were firing on all cylinders last season, whereas, their impact has been almost negligible this season. The onus often lies on Bruno and Rashford to score the goals. It seems as if the team has become a bit over-reliant on these star players and currently, we seem to lack team contribution.

The Red Devils will be looking to make The Eagles pay for the season opener upset at Old Trafford as they would like to do a first league double over us. Manchester United have never lost in 11 Premier League away games against Crystal Palace. We are on a 20 game unbeaten run away from home and Solskjaer would certainly want to add to that.

Catching Manchester City seems virtually impossible at the moment, until and unless their form drops and we capitalise on every such opportunity.

TEAM NEWS

Cavani returns to the squad after being sidelined through injury
[via Goal]

Cavani returned to training after being sidelined for a month due to an injury and the prolific Uruguayan would want to make an impact to reserve his spot for the Manchester Derby. Pogba and Mata have still not been deemed fully fit and are yet to return to training with the first team. Phil Jones has been ruled out for the season officially by the manager. Well to be fair, he wasn't ever available in the first place.

Palace talisman and former Red, Wilfried Zaha is a doubt for the tie. Although he has returned to training, this game might be too soon for him. This will be good news for Solskjaer as The Eagles have won just a single game without him this season. Jeffrey Schlupp and Connor Wickham are available for Roy Hodgson. James Tomkins, Nathaniel Clyne, Tyrick Mitchell, James McArthur and Nathan Ferguson are still out for Palace.

PREDICTED LINEUP

Predicted Lineup
[via Manchester United]

De Gea made some crucial saves against Chelsea and is expected to keep his place, although there are rumours that Henderson might start this game. Bailly certainly needs more game time and needs to establish himself as the first-choice centre-back, at least for the remainder of the season. Luke Shaw would look to threaten from the left flank as he has done so often this season, even earning himself a Player of the Month award for February. Dan James has been excellent in the last few games and deserves a rest. Cavani is fit to start and will be raring to get back amongst the goals.

PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR

Luke Shaw has turned back to his golden days this season
[via Mumbai Se Manchester]

Luke Shaw has been in phenomenal form this season and possibly the best LB in the Premier League. He has definitely put himself in Southgate's Euros plans and has been a revelation for Manchester United. Alex Telles can be credited for providing competition for the Englishman, but Shaw deserves all the plaudits for putting in the work to get where he is right now.

Eberechi Eze is the creative spark in the Palace side
[via Sports Mole]

Eberechi Eze will be The Eagles biggest threat. Any space provided, and he'll conjure up a pass for his teammates. Palace will be a threat from set-pieces and given our frailties from the same, Eze will be crucial to create anything positive for Crystal Palace.

VERDICT

I expect us to win this game comfortably, but then again, you never know it with Manchester United.

Crystal Palace 0-2 Manchester United