Crystal Palace - Manchester United predictions and free betting tips [06/05/2024]

On Monday, 6th May, as part of the 36th game week of the Premier League, Crystal Palace will host Manchester United on their home ground. The "Red Devils" are sitting in the eighth position in the overall ranking, trailing behind the European qualifying zone by two points, whilst the "Eagles" are situated at the 14th and playing out the remaining season at their leisure.

Crystal Palace

Being placed 14th in the Premier League and staying 15 points clear of the relegation zone, Crystal Palace have ensured they ascend the tension-free summer. The London-based team was skirting with the risk of relegation for some time, but later gained up a good pace, as demonstrated by their current streak of four matches without defeat (three wins and one draw). Victories over Liverpool (0:1), West Ham (5:2), and Newcastle (2:0) are testament to this, while at the last weekend, the red-and-blues shared the spoils with Fulham in a 1:1 draw. Following a goalless first half, Rodrigo Muniz put the Cottagers ahead in the 52nd minute. However, Schlupp restored the parity on the scoreboard at the last gasp. Notably, the Eagles haven't finished in the top half of the table since being promoted in 2013.Under Oliver Glasner's tutelage, they rank only 15th in the aggregate of points accrued at home: 22 points from 17 home games with 28 goals scored and 26 conceded.

Missing from the Crystal Palace squad are goalkeeper Johnston, defender Guehi, midfielders Lerma and Doucoure, centre-back Holding and promising Mateus Franca, all due to injuries. Eze (8 goals and 3 assists), who missed the last round, has made a welcome return. It's expected that Frenchmen Olise (7 goals and 4 assists) and Mateta (11 goals and 4 assists) will appear up front and in a 3-4-3 formation, Adam Worton, who impressed after transferring from Blackburn Rovers in January, should also feature.

Manchester United

Falling short of fans' expectations this season, Manchester United will definitely miss the Champions League fall session. Yet, the "Red Devils" can potentially clinch a berth in the European competition of a lower rank: they currently stand 8th in the Premier League table, only two points shy of the top six. In the last six rounds, Erik ten Hag's squad have claimed victory only once alongside four draws and a single loss. After defeating relegation-threatened Sheffield United 4:2, they ended with a 1:1 draw against Burnley last weekend. Anthony put the Mancunians ahead in the 79th minute, but Amadoun drew from a penalty kick at the eleventh hour. In the FA Cup, Manchester United barely overcame Coventry in the semi-finals and will face Man City in the final showdown in a few weeks. 

Of note, the visitors occupy only a sixth place in the aggregate of points collected on the road (24 points from 17 outings, 24 goals netted and 26 allowed). The roll call for Manchester United is looking thin due to the absences of key defenders Varane, Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Evans, and Lindelof, as well as Martial and Malacia. Winger Rashford (7 goals) and young Cambala are also doubtful. Over the last weekend, Brazilian winger Anthony netted the single goal for the "Red Devils" and is thus likely to take up a spot on the left wing of the attack. Assisting him will be Bruno Fernandes (10 goals and 7 assists) and Rasmus Hojland (8 goals and 2 assists). Scott McTominay will sub for Christian Eriksen in midfield, while Amad Diallo can add potency from the bench.

Head-to-head

Palace might celebrate defeating Man United in both season encounters for the first time in their history, considering their first-round match culminated in a 0:1 victory in favour of the Eagles.

Predictions for the Crystal Palace - Manchester United Match

Manchester United are experiencing a significant loss of squad, nevertheless, it's essential for them not to shed points on Monday evening, or otherwise, they run the risk of missing the European competition altogether next season. Crystal Palace is completing the championship without any tournament tasks and in fine form, having not conceded a single loss in the last four rounds. In light of this, it seems reasonable to bet on a draw at Selhurst Park.