Man Utd Clash with Crystal Palace: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Manchester United's quest to clinch a top-five Premier League position moves forward at home this weekend, with Crystal Palace making the trip to Old Trafford.

Since Michael Carrick's return to the Theatre of Dreams, no side has accumulated more points in England's premier division, with United's revival placing them in an excellent spot to qualify for next season's Champions League.

A sequence of five victories and one draw under Carrick has them sitting fourth with 48 points from 27 matches. Rather than focusing on Chelsea and Liverpool beneath them, United should be eyeing a faltering Aston Villa in third place. The Villans hold just a three-point advantage and are likely to be pulled into the top-five battle.

The Red Devils' upward trajectory persisted with a determined win at Everton on Monday evening, as Benjamin Šeško's finish from a smooth counter-attack secured a vital victory.

Palace, on the other hand, sit ten points above the relegation zone and will likely concentrate their efforts on the Conference League soon, having advanced to the round of 16 on Thursday evening. Oliver Glasner's team defeated Zrinjski Mostar 2–0 at Selhurst Park to complete a 3–1 aggregate victory. AEK Larnaca awaits in the following round.

Man Utd vs. Crystal Palace Score Prediction

Man Utd vs. Crystal Palace Score Prediction

Man Utd's Momentum Too Much to Handle

Man Utd's Momentum Too Much to Handle

While Liverpool are anticipated to overcome West Ham United at Anfield on Saturday, Chelsea face league-topping Arsenal following Man Utd's encounter on Sunday. Therefore, the Red Devils have an excellent opportunity to establish a six-point cushion over the Blues this weekend.

They recovered from a deficit to triumph 2–1 in the earlier meeting when Rúben Amorim was still in charge, but Palace have found success at Old Trafford recently, claiming victory on their last two visits.

Nevertheless, the positive atmosphere around Glasner's Eagles has faded, and they appear to lack motivation in Premier League competition.

Prediction: Man Utd 2–0 Crystal Palace

Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Crystal Palace

Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Crystal Palace

Lisandro Martínez was a last-minute withdrawal on Monday evening against Everton, and Carrick offered no update on the Argentine's condition during Friday's press briefing. If he remains unavailable, Leny Yoro will join Harry Maguire in the defensive partnership.

Carrick may also be considering finally including Šeško in his starting eleven, given his consistent impact as a substitute. The Slovenian striker has merited his opportunity, with Amad Diallo being the most probable forward to make way.

United's starting eleven should remain unchanged otherwise. They continue without Matthijs de Ligt due to a back problem, while Mason Mount is nearing a return but isn't quite ready.

Man Utd predicted lineup vs. Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Šeško.

Crystal Palace Predicted Lineup vs. Man Utd

Crystal Palace Predicted Lineup vs. Man Utd

Glasner lacks the squad depth to make wholesale changes, and the Austrian manager, in his final months at Palace, might soon focus on Conference League success once they secure sufficient Premier League points to virtually ensure safety.

The away side are missing forwards Eddie Nketiah and Jean-Philippe Mateta, though January acquisition Jørgen Strand Larsen has made an impressive start. Fellow newcomer Evann Guessand has found the net in consecutive matches.

Jefferson Lerma is dealing with a hamstring problem and remains sidelined, while Cheick Doucouré has suffered through an injury-riddled 18 months and is out with a knee complaint.

Crystal Palace predicted lineup vs. Man Utd (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Canvot; Muñoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Sarr, Strand Larsen, Guessand.

What Time Does Man Utd vs. Crystal Palace Kick Off?

What Time Does Man Utd vs. Crystal Palace Kick Off?

How to Watch Man Utd vs. Crystal Palace on TV, Live Stream

How to Watch Man Utd vs. Crystal Palace on TV, Live Stream