After an extremely disappointing away defeat to newly promoted Sheffield Utd, it is imperative that Palace give a good account of themselves at Old Trafford on Saturday. Unlikely as it may be, given Palace’s uninspiring start to the new campaign, Man Utd are also a team struggling for consistency.
Putting four past Chelsea on the opening day, only to draw at Wolves, is perhaps an indictment Man Utd’s form in recent years. Wolves are not an easy opponent by any means, but it emphasises Man Utd’s core issues against the so called lesser teams away from home. This may come as a consolation for Man Utd fans then, that they are back at Old Trafford where a lot of their exuberant attacking players can thrive.
Even though they didn’t demonstrate it last Sunday, Palace do have an extremely good away record in 2019 to cling onto. Only Manchester City (24) have scored more away goals this year than Palace (20), which bodes well for the chances of an Eagles upset.
Most likely, Man Utd will continue to field a young team, including the new additions of Maguire & Wan-Bissaka, both of whom have impressed, whilst the Eagles may turn to free transfer Gary Cahill for some much needed experience at the back, what with James Tomkins & Mamadou Sakho still sidelined with injuries.
The match promises to have some key individual battles, which will certainly be decisive in the outcome of the game.
