Palace will be looking to build on an impressive performance against now champions Chelsea after a dubious penalty decision was the only thing to separate the two sides.
Eden Hazard was questionably fouled by James McArthur and although the Belgian missed the resulting penalty, he headed in the rebound.
Alan Pardew will now be more concerned that his side have now lost three on the bounce and will look to rectify the situation this weekend. The fixtures begin to dwindle towards the end of another successful campaign for the Eagles but the visit of United is a fixture that Palace have not had an awful lot of success in over the years.
There are conflicting reports among fans on whether Palace are in fact safe although a point from this game will almost certainly secure a third season in a row in the top flight. Having not featured in the relegation betting, Palace now appear as an 80/1 outside chance.
Manchester United are the visitors to Selhurst Park this Saturday evening in front of the live television cameras. Dutch boss Luis Van Gaal is still looking for his side to finish in the top four and regain Champions League football for the first time in two years.
Team News
Crystal Palace
Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh could finally return to the squad after a niggling hamstring problem has caused his appearances since January to be few and far between. Frazier Campbell is also expected to be available for selection following a similar injury. There should be no other injury concerns for Alan Pardew.
Manchester United
Louis Van Gaal is expected to be missing Jonny Evans (sciatica), Luke Shaw (groin), Rafael (rib), Marcos Rojo (groin) and Michael Carrick (calf).
One To Watch
Wayne Rooney (England)
The English striker has excelled since returning to his favoured position up front for Manchester United in the latter part of the season after a spell in midfield. With twelve goals so far and eight of those coming since the turn of the year, he will be problematic for the Eagles defense and likely to keep Julian Speroni busy.
Form Guide
These two have identical records in the last six games having won three and lost three so something will have to give at Selhurst Park. Palace have failed to score in their last three matches even though young Frenchman Yaya Sanogo found the net twice but saw both goals ruled out. Manchester United have also not scored in the last three games and their run of defeats have come follow their win over fierce rivals Manchester City. The Red Devils sit in fourth place and will need all three points soon in order to stay there.
Predictions
Visitors United look to be on course for a spot in the Champions League this season with a top four finish. It will be seen as some kind of progress after the failure during the David Moyes era. The Old Trafford faithful will certainly not be celebrating though as expectations are high so the pressure will on for a title challenge next season.
- EPL Index prediction – away win
- Sky Sports Pundit Paul Merson’s prediction – away win
- Who Scored prediction – away win
- My prediction – home win
- Betting odds (courtesy of Paddy Power) – home 10/3 – draw 5/2 – away 17/20
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