Manchester United are going to face Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in a crucial Premier League match on Saturday. United are currently fourth in the league table with 39 points from 20 matches. They are tied with third-placed Newcastle United in terms of points earned, but the latter have a superior goal difference.
Manchester United were effectively out of the title race after their 2-3 loss to Arsenal last week, and the realistic goal for them is to finish inside the top four. They should be able to garner three points from the match against Crystal Palace if they are to reach that goal.
On that note, we will take a look at two things to watch for in the match:
Manchester United trying to keep a clean sheet:
It is going to be crucial for United not to concede any goal against Crystal Palace. Erik ten Hag’s side, who are fresh from a 3-1 win over Reading at the FA Cup, have been able to keep eight clean sheets in the league so far this season.
With centre-backs like Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez and a brilliant defensive midfielder like Casemiro in their side, the home side should be able to keep the Crystal Palace forwards at bay on Saturday.
At this stage, United will have to be cautious about the goal-difference as well, with teams like Tottenham Hotspur breathing down their neck. Hence, the calm influence of Varane and the fighting spirit of Martinez should be helpful for them in keeping a clean sheet on Saturday.
United going with a 4-2-3-1 by fielding their best possible eleven:
United are likely to go with a 4-2-3-1 formation against Palace, with either Fred or new signing Marcel Sabitzer starting alongside Casemiro in the double pivot, Bruno Fernandes starting as the No. 10 and Antony and Marcus Rashford on the flanks. Christian Eriksen might miss the remainder of the season owing to an ankle injury he sustained against Reading, which prompted United to sign Sabitzer from Bayern Munich.
Rashford is in great form with 18 goals already in his kitty this season and should look to improve his tally against Palace. With passers like Fernandes, Sabitzer and Casemiro in the team, the 25-year-old English forward should be getting enough supply of balls to breach the Crystal Palace defense.
It will also be a great opportunity for Wout Weghorst to shine as the centre-forward. The Dutch forward has already scored his first goal for United and has impressed with his work-rate and link-up play. However, United supporters will like to see a more clinical and agile approach in the opposition penalty box from him.
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