Following three straight defeats, Manchester United travel to Selhurst Park knowing that three points are vital if they are to finish in the top four this season. Crystal Palace have avoided the relegation scrap and have been impressive under Alan Pardew, meaning Louis van Gaal’s team will be in for another difficult afternoon.
Last time we met
Juan Mata proved to be the match-winner when the two sides last met in November. The Spaniard came off the bench to brighten up an otherwise tense and dull spectacle. Neil Warnock’s Palace were happy to sit back and try to hit United on the counter attack, coming closest just before half-time with former red Frazier Campbell, who lifted a shot over the crossbar.
United had a lot of possession but failed to create too many openings, Adnan Januzaj and Wayne Rooney having the best chances. But Mata, coming off the bench, fired in the winner from outside the box. He later struck the post with a similar effort and United saw out the match and secured a vital three points.
Form guide
Both sides go into this fixture in similar form. Manchester United have slipped to seventh in the form table courtesy of three consecutive defeats. Three defeats and three matches without scoring a goal makes pretty grim reading. The 1-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion has opened up the top four race with the gap between United and fifth placed Liverpool down to just four points with three matches remaining.
The defeats have placed more significance on the match at Selhurst Park. A win and three points are now essential if Louis van Gaal’s side want to maintain their pursuit of Champions League football.
With just two victories in their last 6 away matches, United will have to improve their form on the road. In visiting Palace, they face a team who have a poor recent home record, their form on their own patch being a mirror image of United’s away record.
Alan Pardew has ensured that Crystal Palace will be playing Premier League football for a third successive season an although their form has tailed off recently, they will fancy their chances in achieving a ‘Manchester double’ having already beaten City at Selhurst Park this year.
Form against each other
Manchester United dominate the recent encounters between the two sides and haven’t dropped a single point since 1995, the only such occasion in the Premier League era. You have to go back to 1991 since Palace were last victorious in a league meeting, winning 3-0 at Selhurst Park.
Notable meetings in recent times include the 1990 FA Cup final which brought Alex Ferguson his first trophy at Old Trafford. Lee Martin proved the match-winner in a 1-0 replay win after an enthralling 3-3 draw first time round.
Palace will point to a famous League Cup fifth round victory at Old Trafford in 2011. Darren Ambrose hit a spectacular winner in the 2-1 result which also saw an impressive performance from Wilfried Zaha.
Team news
Louis van Gaal could be without five players for the visit to Palace on Saturday. Rafael is a certain absentee and will miss the rest of the season. Doubts remain over the fitness of Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo and Michael Carrick.
Former red striker Frazier Campbell could be missing for Alan Pardew’s side and they could also be without Jerome Thomas and ex-Arsenal forward Marouane Chamakh.
Who to look out for
United fans will interested to see former player Wilfried Zaha considering they were not given much of an opportunity whilst he was at Old Trafford. Sir Alex’s final signing failed to impress in his short time at United but has proven to be a handful of pace and skill upon his return to Crystal Palace.
The other player to look out for in a Palace shirt is Yannick Bolasie. The winger possesses incredible skill and daring and has started to add goals to his game, including a recent hat-trick in the 4-1 demolition of Sunderland.
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