Team News
Manchester United approach their visit to Selhurst Park while managing several fitness concerns, most notably the continued absence of Matheus Cunha. The forward remains in concussion protocol after what the club described as an accident in training, meaning he will not be available for selection. Joshua Zirkzee led the line in his stead against Everton, although Ruben Amorim may now contemplate reshaping his front three by introducing Mason Mount higher up the pitch, which would allow Bryan Mbeumo to function as a more central attacking outlet. Diogo Dalot is expected to reclaim his starting spot from Patrick Dorgu, yet Benjamin Sesko and Harry Maguire continue their respective recoveries and are therefore not under consideration.
Crystal Palace have personnel issues of their own following their reverse to Strasbourg. Will Hughes was withdrawn during the first half with a knee complaint and, although he could still feature among the substitutes, it would be unexpected to see him keep his place. A reshuffle in midfield is likely, with Adam Wharton poised to step in and Daichi Kamada anticipated to replace Jefferson Lerma. At the back, Chris Richards should return to the XI, which would result in Jaydee Canvot moving to the bench. Palace remain without Caleb Kporha, Borna Sosa, Cheick Doucoure, Chadi Riad and Rio Cardines, all of whom are sidelined through various injuries.
Form Guide
United’s momentum stalled abruptly on Monday evening when they fell to Everton at Old Trafford. Idrissa Gueye’s dismissal did not hinder the visitors, who secured victory through Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s superb finish. It marked the first time United had been beaten in a Premier League fixture in which their opponents had received a red card, ending a sequence of 46 matches without such an outcome. The defeat also deepened the sense that the previous run of positive results before the international break may have concealed underlying concerns within Amorim’s side, whose form on the road remains particularly troubling.
Without a clean sheet from their last five matches and struggling to string together convincing performances away from home, United arrive in London still clinging to a place in the top half of the table. Their difficulties have been amplified by an unimpressive record in the capital, which raises further questions about their resilience as they attempt to respond to the disappointment inflicted by Everton.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, saw opportunities go begging during their European defeat on Thursday evening when both Ismaila Sarr and Adam Wharton struck the woodwork with the goal wide open. Nevertheless, their domestic form has been more encouraging. A 2–0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend extended their sequence of Premier League clean sheets to three, illustrating a renewed organisation under Oliver Glasner. Alongside Arsenal, they are one of only two sides yet to concede double figures in the league this season, a statistic that underscores their heightened defensive resolve.
Predicted Outcome
Given Palace’s solid defensive structure and strong record at home, it appears improbable that United will immediately rediscover a winning touch regardless of Cunha’s availability. Therefore, we predict Manchester United will get a 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park, showing glimpses of what this team can do, but ultimately failing to beat a really strong Glasner’s side.
