The Crystal Palace vs Manchester United match will take place this Saturday, February 22, 2014 (9:30 AM Pacific, 17:30 GMT). Now that Rooney has put pen to paper on his latest new deal, thoughts can get back to the football for David Moyes, as he takes his side to Selhurst Park. Although if the truth be told, it’s very likely he welcomed the distraction.
United have managed only 2 points in February so far, which is a period that they historically have performed so well in. With the chance of a place in the top four looking more and more like a pipe-dream, Moyes took his 7th placed side to Dubai for a bit of warm weather training this week. Whether it has had the desired effect, we will find out, but with Olympiakos to come in the Champions League this week, these two games are as crucial as any Moyes has overseen.
Palace have been nothing short of resurgent under Tony Pulis. They were more or less relegated at the time Ian Holloway left, but Pulis has turned around their fortunes and made them especially tough to beat at home. They now lie 15th, and while this is only 2 points above the drop zone, it’s a great deal better off than they could’ve imagined a few months ago.
Crystal Palace Team News
Palace have made some great additions to their squad in January, and will also been buoyed by the fact they have no injury concerns going into this match, with the exception of a slight niggle for Jerome Thomas. The three arrivals that have thus far impressed are Thomas Ince, Scott Dann and Joe Ledley. All three are likely to retain their places as Palace attempt to take the game to the uncertain looking champions.
Manchester United Team News
Welbeck will definitely miss out and Rafael and Jonny Evans also look certain to be unavailable due to injury. Nani seems no nearer a come back and with Moyes undoubtedly having one eye on Olympiakos, he is likely to rest a few for this game. If he underestimates Palace though, it could be an all too familiar story for the under-fire Scot. There are rumors that despite signing his new deal, Rooney will be held back for the Champions League.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United Prediction
Selhurst Park will be rocking in the late kick off and United will have no easy task as confidence and a fresh look flows through the Palace side. Expect fireworks from the off and plenty of goals. United won’t be setting up in the same manner they did against Arsenal the last time they came to London, so Crystal Palace will be able to get at them. United could be slightly too strong if Moyes can get the balance right. But that’s a big ‘if’. PREDICTION: Crystal Palace 2 – 3 Manchester United.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United Television
The match will be televised on NBC (USA), and Sky Sports 1 (UK).
Manchester United Possible Lineup
Click here for a full analysis of Manchester United’s Possible Lineup.
