The 2023/24 Premier League season enters into the 36th game week of 38 this weekend, and as the season reaches its climax, the race at the top and bottom of the table heats up. Monday night sees Manchester United make the trip to the capital to face an in-form Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United: Match Preview
Crystal Palace soaring under Glasner, aiming to upset struggling Manchester United
Crystal Palace have been in terrific form since the arrival of new manager Oliver Glasner, who replaced the legendary Roy Hodgson. The Austrian manager has had an instant impact on the side and the players, and the Eagles have been soaring, playing some brilliant football in the last couple of months. When he took over, Palace were hovering above the relegation zone and seemed likely to be pulled into the chaos of a relegation battle.
However, Glasner transformed the side tactically and mentally, and what followed was some of the most attacking football that the Selhurst Park faithful have seen in the last few months. They have since collected 15 points from 10 games, including a famous win over Liverpool at Anfield, which ended the title hopes of the Merseyside Red, and a 5-2 win in the London Derby over West Ham United.
Results have not always gone their way, but Glasner has brought smiles and joy back to the faces of the Eagles fans while also confirming their survival in the process. High on confidence after extending their unbeaten streak to four games following the 1-1 draw at Fulham last weekend, Palace will be eager to come up against a bumbling Manchester United, who are in desperate need of three points.
Manchester United’s top-four hopes dashed, Europa League focus remains
Manchester United were last in action against Burnley, as they dropped points at home yet again, drawing 1-1 with the Clarets. That draw has mathematically ended their chances of making the top 4, and they will have to contend themselves with competing for the next best thing, which is a Europa League place. As of now, they sit in sixth place, six points behind Tottenham Hotspurs in fifth, with four games to go.
They will seek solace in the fact that Spurs have a trickier run-in than them, but they will still have to beat the likes of Arsenal and a resurgent Crystal Palace to stand any chance of finishing in fifth place.
Questions are being asked of Erik ten Hag and his competency in the hotseat, but reports suggest that the new owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has decided to give the Dutchman one more season to improve on the current state and get the club back to challenging for the highest honors. For now, they will have to see the season out, as United fans rest all their hopes on the FA Cup Final against Manchester City to salvage their season.
When & Where?
Date: Monday, May 6, 2024.
Time: 8.00 pm GMT
Venue: Selhurst Park Stadium, London, UK.
Match Officials
Referee: Jarred Gillett.
Assistants: Lee Betts, Neil Davies.
Fourth official: Graham Scott.
VAR: Tony Harrington.
Assistant VAR: Constantine Hatzidakis.
Team News
Crystal Palace fans were given some good news after the club confirmed that defender Marc Guehi has recovered from his knee injury and could be in line to feature on Monday night. The defender could feature for the first time in two months, which will be a boost to the Eagles. Forward Eberechi Eze missed out against Fulham last time out, but has been declared fit and will be in contention to start against United.
Manchester United fans also received good news over the week, with defender Lisandro Martinez and forward Anthony Martial both spotted in training. Erik ten Hag confirmed the duo will play again this season, with the departing Martial able to bid adieu to the fans after almost nine years at the club. Scott McTominay appeared to pick up a knock against Burnley last weekend but confirmed over social media that he is fit to play.
Defender Jonny Evans was also seen in training and seems to have recovered from his injury, meaning ten Hag will have the option of playing another natural center-back after having to make do with Casemiro in the injury-ridden defense. Bruno Fernandes is in doubt ahead of United’s trip to the capital.
Marcus Rashford, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, and Willy Kambwala have all been ruled out.
Key Players
Alejandro Garnacho
The young Argentinian has been the leading light for the Red Devils in the attack this season. With the likes of Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Rasmus Højlund misfiring, the 19-year-old has taken up the burden of the attack on himself and has been their best attacker alongside captain Bruno Fernandes.
His devilish pace and quick feet have the ability to give any defender a headache, and he has furthered his cause as one of the brightest young prospects in the league by playing on either flank whenever needed. He is comfortable with both feet, although his finishing is in need of some improvement.
Garnacho has cemented his place in the side and has all the makings of being an important player for the club over the coming seasons.
Jean-Phillipe Mateta
A brace against Newcastle United brought his tally to 11 in the league and 14 in all competitions for the season.
The Frenchman has scored four goals in his last three games, and like many other Palace players, he looks improved under Oliver Glasner.
With a more attacking brand of football under employment at Selhurst Park now, Mateta is enjoying an increase in service and chances. Since Glasner’s appointment, only Cole Palmer has scored more goals in the league than Mateta, highlighting the run of form he is enjoying under the Austrian.
It will be interesting to watch how Olise, Eze, and Mateta attack a weak United defense on Monday night.
Predicted Lineups
Crystal Palace XI: Dean Henderson; Nathaniel Clyne; Joachim Andersen; Chris Richards; Tyrick Mitchell; Will Hughes; Adam Wharton; Michael Olise; Eberechi Eze; Jeffery Schlupp; Jean-Phillipe Mateta.
Manchester United XI: Andre Onana; Aaron Wan-Bissaka; Jonny Evans; Harry Maguire; Diogo Dalot; Casemiro; Kobbie Mainoo; Amad Diallo; Bruno Fernandes; Alejandro Garnacho; Rasmus Højlund.
