Friday, February 21, 2014

Crystal Palace v Manchester Utd-Preview and Predictions

Tony Pulis' Eagles host the injured Red Devils


Many would consider this fixture to be a relatively easy one for Manchester United,but the irony lies in Crystal Palace's recent home form.The Eagles have not conceded defeat in 5 of their previous home games,quite contrary to Manchester United's home form and even away form. The Selhurst Park is increasingly becoming a difficult place for visiting teams to go which serves as a testament to the job Tony Pulis has been doing .Tony Pulis' men have been handed a virtual revitalization after the loan signing of starlet Tom Ince and Joe Ledley on a permanent basis as both men scored on their respective debuts in Palace's last encounter against West Bromwich Albion.

Moving on to the team under fire ,Manchester United will look to end their recent poor form after accumulating just two points from possible 9 points recently.Their recent stalemate draw away to Arsenal reflected exactly how much creativity they lack in midfield and this prospect is provoking them to stay back more often. New signing Juan Mata has managed to give 3 assists so far,which is more than any other Manchester United midfielder.And heading into the game at Selhurst Park,agitated David Moyes will know what dangers the Eagles now pose under new manager Tony Pulis.

Team News

Crystal Palace will step onto the home turf without any injury problems,which is again contrary to Manchester United's situation.They have some key defenders on the sidelines but young Phil Jones is said to have recovered from the concussion he suffered weeks ago against Stoke.David Moyes will not be able to see Jonny Evans,Nani and Danny Welbeck who are all out following their respective injury problems.And even right back Rafael is to sit out due to a concerning concussion he suffered after his malignant fall at the Emirates.But,a good news for United will be the return to action of summer signing Marouane Fellaini who is back from a thigh injury.

Expected Line-ups

   Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1):
 Speroni; Ward, Dann, Delaney, Ledley; Dikgacoi, Jedinak; Bolasie , Ince, Puncheon ; Chamakh 
Manchester United(4-2-3-1): 
De Gea;Smalling,Vidic,Jones,Evra;Carrick,Fletcher;Young,Rooney,Mata;van Persie

Predictions

It feels awkward to say that it's going to be another tough game for the Red Devils being an away fixture.United's defense will find it tough to deal with Palace's quickness on the sides especially Tom Ince and Joe Ledley.Goals will come but chances will be few and far to capitalize upon.United full backs would have to be cautious of being caught on the counter and that's where the game will be decided.

We predict a close game and a 2-1 victory for Manchester United

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