Prediction: Manchester United vs Crystal Palace



Verdict: Crystal Palace Draw no bet

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: William Hill

With the Europa League final against Ajax taking place just three days later, chances are Jose Mourinho will rest his starters in the clash with Crystal Palace, where the Eagles will have a good opportunity to record a rare win at Old Trafford and celebrate the Premier League survival in style.

Manchester United

Jury is still out on Jose Mourinho and Manchester United’s performance this season, and we can safely say the current campaign has been a mixed bag for the Red Devils. A sixth-place finish in the Premier League is clearly a major disappointment, but if the team add Europa League title to the League Cup trophy, then they will definitely have something to write home about. Heavy investment in the playing squad didn’t exactly pay off, but if the Red Devils can continue improving, then they will stand a decent chance of enjoying success next term. When it became clear that top 4 positions were out of reach, Jose Mourinho shifted his focus on the Europa League, where Man Utd will be vying youthful Ajax side for the trophy. Considering that the final takes place next Wednesday at Friends Arena in Solna, the manager has suggested he will field a much changed side against Crystal Palace. This is enough to suggest that the Red Devils may not be able to end a four-match winless run on Sunday.

Team News

Youngsters Joel Pereira, Axel Tuanzebe, Demetri Mitchell and Matty Willock are all expected to start, while Paul Pogba should also get some minutes under his belt.



Crystal Palace

Before Sam Allardyce took over the reigns from Alan Pardew, Crystal Palace were in all sorts of problems and in danger of getting relegated, but Big Sam pulled off another grand escape and eventually kept the Eagles in the elite division. January recruits Luka Milivojevic, Mamadou Sakho and Patrick van Aanholt also had important roles to play, while Wilfried Zaha enjoyed the best season of his career. It was the impressive run of 7 wins in 11 Premier League fixtures that made all the difference, while the Eagles made the final push by hammering relegation rivals Hull City to end a three-match losing run. Depending on the outcome of the game at Old Trafford, Palace can finish anywhere from 11th to 16th position, but they stand a good chance of upsetting under-strength Manchester United on the final day of the season. The Eagles have been very good on the road of late, winning three of last five away fixtures, recording wins over West Bromwich, Chelsea and Liverpool, and they will fancy their chances of another success on the travels.

Team News

There are no fresh selection worries for Sam Allardyce, but Pape Souare, Mamadou Sakho and Connor Wickham remain in the infirmary.

Key Factors to Consider

• Mourinho will rest most starters on Sunday
• Crystal Palace are winless in last 12 meetings with Man Utd (D4 L8)
• The Eagles defeated Chelsea and Liverpool on the road
• Man Utd are winless in last four (D2 L2)
• Palace won four of last seven away games (L3)

Conclusion

Under-strength Manchester United side will face problems against high-flying Crystal Palace and we don’t think the Red Devils can end their four-match winless run. The Eagles have already defeated Chelsea and Liverpool on the road and they this is a perfect opportunity to end the barren run at Old Trafford.

Verdict: Crystal Palace Draw no bet

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: William Hill