Manchester United vs Crystal Palace
The Premier League and a Saturday 3pm kick-off at Old Trafford.
Mark my words, this is a rare event nowadays in a game dominated by television schedules and the lucrative cash it brings.
Yet for those watching this encounter, there is still real potential for Premier League highlights as one man at the infancy of his managerial career at the top level faces one of the great English coaches, now a respected veteran in possibly his final management role before retirement.
Talking Points
Both teams had frustrations in week two of the season.
United failed to hold onto their lead and also missed a gilt-edged opportunity to win at Wolves.
Palace were underwhelming and, at times, haphazard at newly promoted Sheffield United with the seemingly disaffected Wilfried Zaha yet to get over the fact he was unable to move onto pastures new before the transfer window closed this month.
After selling Romelu Lukaku, it seems madness that Alexis Sanchez will be allowed to depart too, as suggested this past week.
Despite impressing in front of goal, it will only take on injury or suspension in attack to leave United as short of options up front as they are in midfield.
In defence, the first two matches suggest they have strengthened this summer with the capture of Harry Maguire and promising youngster Aaron Wan-Bissaka, about to face the club he has recently departed.
This is a test of a different kind against the Eagles who have yet to score – or soar – in their first two league matches but with the likes of Zaha, Andros Townsend and Christian Benteke can cause the top sides plenty of danger and have not become a bad side overnight.
Benteke, one of the club’s highest earners having joined for £27 million from Liverpool three years ago, had a productive first campaign under Alan Pardew and Sam Allardyce but has scored only four goals in his past 50 top-flight appearances.
However, as a player with a proven record of scoring in the top flight, they are keen to tie him down to a new contract. Palace also secured their captain, Luka Milivojevic, to a new four-year deal this month.
On the team news front, neither side is expected to change little from their last outings earlier this week.
United are without defender Eric Bailly, who will be sidelined for several months with a knee injury, while Sanchez and Marcos Rojo – tipped to join Fenerbahce on loan – are unlikely to be involved.
Palace’s defensive pair James Tomkins (groin) and Mamadou Sakho (knee) will both miss the trip to Old Trafford but it remains to be seen if new signing, experienced England international Gary Cahill could be involved.
History
Not since November 2011 have United been beaten by Palace, and in fairness that was an under strength side which went down 2-1 at home in the League Cup.
That was 14 games ago, since when United have won 11 and drawn the other two clashes, although some of those have been hard earned victories it must be said.
The last time United were beaten by Palace in the league was May 1991 when Andrej Kanchelskis made his debut in a 3-0 loss and Sir Alex Ferguson rested players with the European Cup Winners Cup Final against Barcelona just four days away.
Last season, the sides drew 0-0 at Old Trafford before United won 3-1 at Selhurst Park, courtesy of a double from Lukaku and an Ashley Young strike.
Joel Ward was on target for Palace.
United have won 37 of their 55 clashes with a further 11 games ending all square.
Betting Tip
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Manchester United vs Crystal Palace | Over 3.00 goal @ 2.31 |
| August 24, 22:00 (GMT+8) |
The SBOBET Premier League betting odds strongly favour United – 1X2 @ 1.37 with Palace 1X2 @ 8.00. Even the draw – something Palace managed here last season – is a distant @ 4.70.
United are expected to triumph with Asian Handicap betting odds too. They can be backed -1.50 @ 2.11 with Palace tipped + 1.00 @ 2.53.
A repeat of the goalless draw from last season – correct score 0-0 – offers odds of @ 13.00, while for United to repeat their 3-1 victory from Selhurst Park in February, the price is @ 10.50.
Palace or Draw @ 2.91 is the best odds you can get on the Double Chance offering on Saturday’s top flight games.
Total goal 2-3 @ 2.00, 4-6 @ 3.10 and over 3.00 goal @ 2.31
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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