With midweek success in Europe that has seen Palace progress into the round of 16, the three game week takes them to Manchester to take on in form United.
Oliver Glasner was rightly pleased with two wins in a row against Wolves and Mostar, and more importantly, progressing in the Conference League even if the Bosnians did not make things easy. However, it was clear that the players had learned their lesson from the first leg.
It is no mean feat for a team like Palace to be one of 16 teams remaining in in the competition, even if it was done the hard way. Very few of the teams taking part are in a good run of form domestically which leaves the door open, regardless of the bookies continuing to name the Eagles as favourites for the trophy. There is a lot of football still to be played, 7 more games in fact if a team is to go all the way.
With the news on Friday that the Eagles will be taking on AEK Larnaca once again, but this time over two legs in the next round of the Conference League, the players and management turn their attentions to the trip to Manchester United.
The Premier League fixture at Old Trafford will be entirely different as the Eagles will be able to play their natural game which has seen recent success in this fixture.
Glasner is not expecting much change to the squad with no new knocks to report from the second leg victory over Mostar, but asking Maxence Lacroix to play two games in a short space of time after injury may be too much to ask.
Palace will be aiming to build on their recent good run of form, having experienced just one defeat in seven games across competitions.
Much has been said of United this season having sacked Ruben Amorim, but with interim boss Michael Carrick navigating the Red Devils to 16 points from a possible 18, the club are very well placed to challenge for a place in the top four.
That will have had a lot to do with having no other competitions to take part in and take their eye off the league, but they currently look favourites to take a Champions League spot for next season even if they will not be involved in the title race.
🏟️ Match Preview
📅 Date: Sunday, 1 March 2026
⏰ Kick‑off: 14:00 GMT
📍 Venue: Old Trafford
🔥 Current Form & Context
Manchester United
United come into this clash in excellent form, currently enjoying:
- 10‑match unbeaten run in the Premier League.
- 16 points from their last 18 under Michael Carrick.
- A strong push to secure a Champions League spot, sitting fourth with momentum.
Key recent results:
- 1–0 win vs Everton, with Benjamin Šeško scoring again as a super‑sub.
United also boast the league’s best form over the last six games, scoring multiple goals against major sides including Tottenham, City, and Fulham.
Crystal Palace
Palace’s season has been inconsistent, but have shown clear signs of improvement lately:
- Qualified for the UEFA Conference League Round of 16, beating Zrinjski Mostar.
- Back‑to‑back wins:
- 2–0 vs Zrinjski Mostar (Lacroix scoring on return)
- 1–0 vs Wolves
But their league form still sits at:
- Only 1 win in last 8 away league matches.
- Poor run earlier this season: 2 wins in last 16 overall.
🩺 Team News
Manchester United
- Šeško is pushing to start after 3 goals in his last 4. May replace Mbeumo.
- Mbeumo – late fitness check after hobbling off last match.
- Mason Mount – doubtful.
- Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martínez, Patrick Dorgu – all sidelined.
Carrick will give more detail in Friday presser, but Martinez injury “doesn’t seem too bad” though he missed the Everton win.
Crystal Palace
- No new injuries from their European win.
- Maxence Lacroix returned and scored midweek, but previously nursing adductor issue.
- Eddie Nketiah ruled out.
- Cheick Doucouré, Jefferson Lerma, Jean‑Philippe Mateta also likely out.
🎯 Tactical Overview
Manchester United
- Likely to dominate possession, with Bruno Fernandes orchestrating.
- Attacking play driven by width (Amad, Mbeumo if fit) and Šeško’s movement.
- Defence has tightened in recent matches, though they still concede regularly:
- United have conceded in 22 of 27 league games.
Crystal Palace
- Compact, counter‑attacking setup.
- Best route to goal: transitions, using pace behind United’s full‑backs.
- Away form remains biggest concern.
📊 Key Stats
| Metric | Man Utd | Crystal Palace |
|---|---|---|
| Goals per game | 1.78 | 1.07 |
| Goals conceded | 37 (1.37 per match) | 32 |
| League position | 4th | 13th |
⭐ Players to Watch
Manchester United
- Benjamin Šeško — averaging 0.5+ goals per 90, lethal movement, in top scoring form.
- Bryan Mbeumo — among United’s top creators and a major xA contributor.
- Bruno Fernandes — unlocks low blocks, key in tight matches.
Crystal Palace
- Maxence Lacroix — returned with a goal; vital defensively and on set pieces.
- Evann Guessand — recent scorer in Europe.
Officials
- Referee: Chris Kavanagh
- Assistants: Dan Cook, Ian Hussin
- Fourth official: Sam Barrott
- VAR: Tony Harrington
- Assistant VAR: Neil Davies
📺 How to Watch
- Sky Sports Premier League (12:30 GMT build‑up)
- Sky Sports Main Event (from 14:00 GMT)
🔮 Prediction
Based on form, availability, and tactical match‑ups:
Predicted Outcome: Manchester United WIN
Reasons:
- Significantly stronger form (best in league recent run).
- Old Trafford advantage.
- Palace’s poor away record and injury absences.
Predicted Score: 2–0 to Manchester United
