Verdict: Manchester United win
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Unibet
Looking to lay down another marker on Wednesday night, Manchester United will make the trip to Selhurst Park when they meet Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace
Starting with the hosts, putting in another flat display over the weekend as they were hit with a 1-0 loss away at a struggling Chelsea, Crystal Palace are in the midst of an extended wobble. While Patrick Vieira’s men might have signed off 2022 with a much-needed 2-0 victory away at relegation scrappers Bournemouth, it appears that was just a minor boost for the former Nice boss. Almost sat in Premier League limbo, the Eagles have now lost four of their last five top-flight matchups on either side of the World Cup break. With that run highlighted by a 3-0 drumming at the hands of Fulham on Boxing Day, Wednesday’s hosts have also shown some worrying issues at Selhurst Park. In fact, Vieira’s side have lost back-to-back Premier League showdowns in south London by an aggregate score of 7-0.
Team News
In what could be a real blow for Crystal Palace on Wednesday night, Joachim Andersen is expected to miss out after limping off at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
Likewise, the Eagles will once again be without long-term absentees James McArthur and Nathan Ferguson here. Wilfried Zaha will lead Palace’s charge at Selhurst Park.
West Ham
As for the visitors, mounting a stunning late comeback at Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime, Manchester United are in the midst of a stellar purple patch. Eventually snatching a dramatic 2-1 victory against the defending Premier League champions, Eric ten Hag’s side have continued to gain a string of plaudits. With some in their camp now believing that they can mount a shocking title charge during the second-half of the season, the former Ajax boss will be calling on his high-flying squad to lay down another marker here. In fact, the Red Devils have won each of their last seven straight domestic matchups across all formats since returning from the World Cup break. Gaining a fearsome reputation for their clinical displays in the final third, United will know that another win on Wednesday night would see them briefly climb to second in the table.
Team News
Manchester United have already confirmed that the trio of Donny van de Beek, Axel Tuanzebe and Jadon Sancho will once again miss out on Wednesday night.
Now finding the net in each of his seven post-World Cup appearances, the red-hot Marcus Rashford will lead ten Hag’s attack in south London. 18-year-old starlet Alejandro Garnacho will also be hoping for a full recall.
Key Factors to Consider
- Including their 2-1 victory in the Manchester derby last weekend, United have won each of their seven domestic matchups since returning from the World Cup break.
- Crystal Palace have now lost four of their previous five Premier League appearances.
- Likewise, Wednesday’s hosts have lost back-to-back Premier League matchups at Selhurst Park by an aggregate score of 7-0.
- England international Marcus Rashford has found the net in each of Manchester United’s seven post-World Cup victories.
- Four of the last five Premier League meetings between Wednesday’s opponents have finished with under 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Mounting that stunning comeback at Old Trafford last weekend, Manchester United find themselves in the midst of a remarkable pre-World Cup flurry. Eventually claiming a 2-1 victory on home soil and sat in pole position to claim a Champions League spot, ten Hag’s side have won each of their seven domestic matchups since returning from the festive interval. With some in their camp even believing that a famous title charge could still be on the cards, United will be looking to cash in on a struggling Crystal Palace squad. Losing four of their last five Premier League showdowns, Wednesday’s hosts have also suffered back-to-back drummings at Selhurst Park.
Verdict: Manchester United win
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Unibet
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