FA Premier League

Manchester United 4:0 Crystal Palace

Old Trafford

Kick-off
Sat, 30 September 2017 @ 3:00pm BST
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Discussion Your Lineup Prediction

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    Well it's been a sh*tty week for me, so hoping the boys can score a shed load for me in a convincing win.

    6-0, cheers!
     
    Confirmed squad members

    David de Gea

    Sergio Romero

    Joel Pereira

    Antonio Valencia

    Eric Bailly

    Victor Lindelof

    Phil Jones

    Chris Smalling

    Daley Blind

    Matteo Darmian

    Nemanja Matic

    Marouane Fellaini

    Scott McTominay

    Jesse Lingard

    Ashley Young

    Ander Herrera

    Juan Mata

    Henrikh Mkhitaryan

    Romelu Lukaku

    Marcus Rashford
     
    MEN also saying Martial wasn't spotted but he lives near the hotel so can join later or could have already moved to the hotel before everyone.
     
    Confirmed squad members

    David de Gea

    Sergio Romero

    Joel Pereira

    Antonio Valencia

    Eric Bailly

    Victor Lindelof

    Phil Jones

    Chris Smalling

    Daley Blind

    Matteo Darmian

    Nemanja Matic

    Marouane Fellaini

    Scott McTominay

    Jesse Lingard

    Ashley Young

    Ander Herrera

    Juan Mata

    Henrikh Mkhitaryan

    Romelu Lukaku

    Marcus Rashford


    so only carrick and pogba out (excluding obvious ones like rojo and zlatan)
     
    I was convinced this was an away game, for some reason.

    Anyway, prediction doesn't really change.

    ----------------------DDG-----------------------
    Valencia--------Bailly----Smalling---------Young
    -----------------Herrera---Matic------------------
    Mata--------------Mkhitaryan---------------Rashford
    ------------------------Lukaku----------------------

    SUBS - Lingard (Mata), McTominay (Matic), Blind (Rashford)

    Man United 3 - 1 Crystal Palace (they NEED a goal and will get one eventually, probably here)
    Lukaku x 2, Rashford.
     
    Nuts that Shaw is not at the least with the team even if he isn't going to dress. Thought maybe this is a team he could get a run out against CP if we can get to a comfortable lead.
     
    I have this creepy feeling that Crystal Palace will finally end their pointless streak and get a draw.
     
    utd.png
    VS
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    Date - Saturday, September 30 2017
    Kickoff Time - 1500 Hrs BST

    Venue - Old Trafford, Manchester


    OT.jpg


    League standings and form guide

    2. Manchester United : WWDWW

    20. Crystal Palace : LLLLL


    Previous Meetings

    Manchester United 2 : 0 Crystal Palace

    Crystal Palace 1 : 2 Manchester United

    Manchester United 2 : 0 Crystal Palace

    Crystal Palace 0 : 0 Manchester United

    Crystal Palace 1 : 2 Manchester United


    All-Time Record

    Manchester United wins - 33
    Crystal Palace wins - 7
    Draws - 10

    Referee

    Mike Dean.​

    United have big challenges to come after the International break, we have Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea in the league in three of the four league games after the break. Any dropped points against Palace would be a disappointment going into those games. Palace have had an awful start to the season, their decision to sack De Boer, just four games into the new campaign, inevitably attracted plenty of criticism and they will no doubt be suffering confidence wise at the moment. United should be winning this games if we want to mount a title challenge. So far we have been impressive in how we have dispatched teams we should be beating with the exception of Stoke away where we a little complacent. Complacency will be the enemy in this game which why Jose empathized the importance of United showing the right mentality, although the recovery time between games could be an issue. When asked how important maintaining a strong mentality against Palace would be, Jose answered: "It is very important. We played Wednesday night and we arrived [in] Manchester [at] 4am, so [we got] home at 5am, and we have to [play] tomorrow, so [our] mentality is [always] very important." One of the best things about Jose though is that he is very guarded against complacency. The way he publicly outed the players for playing 'play-station football' in the second half against Basle in the Champions League was an example of how he wants nip any signs of complacency in the bud and with United's confidence so high I expect a fully focused performance from United once again.

    Roy Hodgson seems an ideal fit for Palace. He was born just two miles from Selhurst Park and epitomizes the type of football Palace have largely played well over the past few seasons. Their best spells have come under the management of Tony Pulis and then Sam Allardyce, two back-to-basics coaches who drilled their team in a solid defensive shape and then depended upon direct, quick attacking. That's what Hodgson is all about, and while he was surprisingly keen to experiment in terms of formation with England, we can expect him to revert to the Hodgson of Fulham and West Brom days - two banks of four, probably with lone striker supported by an attacking midfielder. The problem for Palace will be how do they score a goal? They have not scored in six games so far and are up against a United side who's defensive shape is largely excellent. We have conceded just the two goals against Stoke City. To make matters worse Palace are likely to be missing their three best attackers also, Benteke has been leading the line, but got injured last week in their game against City and whilst his form this season has been poor he is still probably thier biggest goal threat. Ex-United Wilfried Zaha, probably Palace's most exciting attacking player is also out and on loan star Ruben Loftus-Cheek who has shown good quality in games is a doubt. Youngster Freddie Ladapo is likely to lead the line perhaps with closest support coming from Yohan Cabaye, who often played a number 10 role well in his Newcastle days. Palace's biggest threat therefore with probably come from with wingers Andros Townsend, who Hodgson got the best from at international level, and Sako down the flanks. United will have to cover space's behind the full-backs well when they push forward. Other than that it's hard to see where Palace will score from, maybe set-plays, but United have great height and aerial power to cope.

    United's main task will be trying to breakdown Palace. Hodgson will have being drilling his side hard defensively since taking over and in the first half against City last week they were well organised before being ground down in the second half. Hodgson will ask James McArthur and Luka Milivojevic in the centre of midfield to stay in position and protect the defence at all times. United certainly won't get the space between the lines that they enjoyed against CSKA Moscow in midweek. I would look at bringing Juan Mata back into the side on the right of three behind Lukaku, he is capable of contributing in the final third and will drift into central midfield positions to open space up for Antonio Valencia down the right to supply United with attacking width. Mkhitaryan will drift around from the No.10 position, but seems struggle more against a packed defence so Mata's passing skills will be needed in central area's. United's main threat will come down the left. Martial has been in great form in the last two games and for me has probably nipped in ahead of Marcus Rashford in the battle down the left. I think he could cause Palace's right back Joel Ward problems. Ward is positionally reliable and a fine tackler, but will be asked to defend narrow and lacks speed. If United can get him 1v1 with Martial by switching play quickly this could be United best chance of creating penetration. Lukaku has proved a good peanlty box threat, perhaps surprisingly he has looked a real threat from crosses which could work well as United will be putting plenty of balls into the box from wide areas. United's main weapon is their attacking transition's, CSKA Manager's said they were "destroyed" by the speed of United defence to attack transitions, which were "beyond my understanding". Opportunities for United to counter-attack will be limited as Palace will allow United to have possession for the majority, but on the occasions United do get the chance to attack them without balance they must kill them like they have done to other teams so far.



    Subs - Romero, Darmian, Blind, Lindelof, Tuanzebe, Lingard, Rashford.

    The main selection dilemmas are who plays at centre-back and left-back. This game could be a good one to ease Lindelof into Premier League football with Palace's attacking threat limited, his better passing could also be be more useful, put Mourinho is pretty pragmatic and I think Smalling may be preferred to help defend against set-plays and because he has greater experience. At left-back Ashley Young would probably be the man in possession because of his recent form. His greater mobility and attacking threat also so gives him the edge on Darmian and Blind.
     
    The squad numbers at the hotel don't feel right. Besides a keeper (J.Pereira), two extra field players have to drop out of the squad. McTominay being there is weird, might mean Fellaini or/and Martial aren't ok. And Mourinho might be bluffing about Jones, because it's really rare to have 8 defenders in the squad.
     
    Don't know if I should keep Herrera as a starter or Fellaini will surprise us with a start tomorrow. :D
     
    I have this creepy feeling that Crystal Palace will finally end their pointless streak and get a draw.
    Best available odds for a draw right now is 16/1. Best CP win odds 50/1. Can't remember being such favourites to win before.
     
    Win this and enjoy Chelsea vs City game. But don't know I have a bad feeling that Palace will finally get a positive result, just hope not.
     
    Apparently, Martial isn't in the squad. Not going to be risked. Makes sense I guess.
     
    Assuming Jones and Valencia both can't play

    ----------------De Gea-----------------
    -----------------------------------------
    -------------Bailly---Smalling----------
    Young------------------------------Blind
    -------------------------------------------
    -------------Herrera---Matic-------------
    -------------------------------------------
    -----------------Henrik-------------------
    -------------------------------------------
    Mata------------------------------Martial
    ------------------Lukaku-----------------

    Bring it to them from the first whistle. I want to see us completely relentless and ruthless

    I agree. Not withstanding the true fitness of a few players including Martial i think this would be great starting 11. One that would really have a go and get that important early first goal. That said I'm pretty sure Rashford will get the nod in front of Martial (but wouldn't mind being wrong) and I'm confident Rashford will/would have a great game. Smalling makes sense to me too. He's more than competent, we need him to get game time and it would gives Jones another day or so rest. Between him, Matic and Bailly we have enough height & speed to cut out the Palace desperate clearances from the back, while Herrera will harass and win the ball back along with Matic all day long!. I have a sneaky suspicion Valencia might be well enough to start and will but I'd like to see Young play RB again because I think that's when he's at his most confident and is the best we have slinging in crosses in from the right.

    I wouldn't start Smalling in this. No aerial threat from them, we cannot afford a centerback who only passes sideways.
    Way to harsh. Smalling rarely lets us down and seems to have severely reduced the shirt-grabbing and unlike Chulski's Luiz, stays on the pitch. And yes, the odd overly ambitious pass goes awry, but you'd still be hard pressed to find too many better CB's in the league or that make less mistakes.

    I'm no fan of Smalling but come on, I don't think Blind or Lindelof playing instead is the key to us unlocking a dire Palace team.
    Exactly, and because we have such great depth this season we should win this quite comfortably AND give minutes to players might not otherwise be first choice.

    Nuts that Shaw is not at the least with the team even if he isn't going to dress. Thought maybe this is a team he could get a run out against CP if we can get to a comfortable lead.

    Yeah, I was hoping that too. I have to assume he still has not demonstrated in training that he's really ready to play?
     
    Travel? It's a home game...

    However you want to put it. There's usually 20 named then 18 make the final squad. If any get injured in the warm up then one of the other 2 step in.

    Either way, there's 20 named in the squad above and I seem to remember there being 20 named whenever I've bothered to count previously. Which means Martial isn't in the squad for tomorrow.
     
    However you want to put it. There's usually 20 named then 18 make the final squad. If any get injured in the warm up then one of the other 2 step in.

    Either way, there's 20 named in the squad above and I seem to remember there being 20 named whenever I've bothered to count previously. Which means Martial isn't in the squad for tomorrow.


    ahh ok fair
     
    While I think the 4-3-3 option is most likely going to be Mouriho's go to line up for this match I can't but feel the line up in Russia needs to be "worked on". Yes we won handily and it certainly suited certain players styles but I don't think we we totally comfortable playing "the system" so we need to . Not for lack of talent but to lack of familiarity. Sure we won big (and could easily have been much bigger) but let's be honest; the Muscovites really weren't up to much.
    So this Palace match might be a great opportunity to run with 3 at the back again. Smalling between Valencia on his right and perhaps Lindelof again on his left if not Bailly. (Or Bailly on the right with Lindelof left) That would give Young the chance to play as a wing forward on the right and leave Blind on the left until Shaw proves he's still got what it takes.

    Or Smalling between Valencia and Lindelof with Valencia at RWB and Young on the left.

    We still have a great midfield for this system with Matic and Herrera winning balls in the middle and distributing forward to Mkhi, Mata and Martial / Rashford or directly through to Lukaku!

    Yes we're missing Pogs and it would have given Carrick some match time had he been fit, but what we have below is more than capable of beating all but the top couple of teams in this league let alone a struggling Palace side. Fellaini is probably going to come on from the bench as will Lingard and Martial unless we get an injury at the back and we still have Blind, Darmian and (probably) Jones to come off the bench if absolutely necessary. 3 nil will suffice

    DDG
    Smalling
    Bailly Lindelof
    Valencia Young
    Matic
    Herrera
    Mkhi
    Mata Rashford
    Lukaku
     
    Don't know if I should keep Herrera as a starter or Fellaini will surprise us with a start tomorrow. :D
    Think Herrera will start. We dont need to risk another long term injury by putting Fellaini in there. Worst case scenario he starts on the bench and comes on later in the game if needed.
     
    While I think the 4-3-3 option is most likely going to be Mouriho's go to line up for this match I can't but feel the line up in Russia needs to be "worked on". Yes we won handily and it certainly suited certain players styles but I don't think we we totally comfortable playing "the system" so we need to . Not for lack of talent but to lack of familiarity. Sure we won big (and could easily have been much bigger) but let's be honest; the Muscovites really weren't up to much.
    So this Palace match might be a great opportunity to run with 3 at the back again. Smalling between Valencia on his right and perhaps Lindelof again on his left if not Bailly. (Or Bailly on the right with Lindelof left) That would give Young the chance to play as a wing forward on the right and leave Blind on the left until Shaw proves he's still got what it takes.

    Or Smalling between Valencia and Lindelof with Valencia at RWB and Young on the left.

    We still have a great midfield for this system with Matic and Herrera winning balls in the middle and distributing forward to Mkhi, Mata and Martial / Rashford or directly through to Lukaku!

    Yes we're missing Pogs and it would have given Carrick some match time had he been fit, but what we have below is more than capable of beating all but the top couple of teams in this league let alone a struggling Palace side. Fellaini is probably going to come on from the bench as will Lingard and Martial unless we get an injury at the back and we still have Blind, Darmian and (probably) Jones to come off the bench if absolutely necessary. 3 nil will suffice

    DDG
    Smalling
    Bailly Lindelof
    Valencia Young
    Matic
    Herrera
    Mkhi
    Mata Rashford
    Lukaku
    I agree with you in that we need to work more on this formation. We could've scored bucket-loads and were clearly the better team but, whenever they had a period of possession, which was rare, they managed to play through us too easily considering we had 3 CBs and a midfield 2 of Matic & Herrera. Thankfully we have the best GK in the world!

    The conundrum for me is that, whilst this is a good as opportunity as any to work on the formation as they're the worst side in the league at the moment, it's also a great opportunity to boost our GD and keep up with City so it might be worth sticking with a trusted formation. It'd be great if we could manage both.

    If we do play said formation, I'd be all for the lineup you wrote but Blind for Lindelof.
     
    I agree with you in that we need to work more on this formation. We could've scored bucket-loads and were clearly the better team but, whenever they had a period of possession, which was rare, they managed to play through us too easily considering we had 3 CBs and a midfield 2 of Matic & Herrera. Thankfully we have the best GK in the world!
    Yep, that's what I saw too.

    IThe conundrum for me is that, whilst this is a good as opportunity as any to work on the formation as they're the worst side in the league at the moment, it's also a great opportunity to boost our GD and keep up with City so it might be worth sticking with a trusted formation. It'd be great if we could manage both.
    And that's why I think Jose will probably play with four across the back rather than this line up. I guess we'll find out at game time :)

    If we do play said formation, I'd be all for the lineup you wrote but Blind for Lindelof.
    And given Lindelof played in Europe, Blind is a more likely starter tomorrow. Nice to have a number of options, each of which I'm confident can play good football and come away with positive results isn't it. :drool:
     
    This is the best possible game in League for us to try with a front 3 of Rashford Lukaku & Martial & see how it goes with Mata not playing a part in CL i guess Jose will start him.
     
    Last edited:
    I have this creepy feeling that Crystal Palace will finally end their pointless streak and get a draw.

    And that will be against a team that has blown away teams all season and is hungry for the title like never before and playing at home??? Nah.

    Crystal Palace will be beaten today at OT today.

    This is not last season when we were dropping points to bottom teams. If we are going to drop points it won't be at OT against a team that has not scored a single goal all season
     
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Post-match discussion

Player Ratings

6.9 Total Average Rating

Highest Rated Player

Lowest Rated Player

Compiled from 594 ratings.

Score Predictions

625,4,7
  • Man Utd win
  • Crystal Palace win
  • Draw

Detailed Results

  • 31% Man Utd 4:0 Crystal Palace
  • 28% Man Utd 3:0 Crystal Palace
  • 18% Man Utd 5:0 Crystal Palace
  • 10% Man Utd 2:0 Crystal Palace
  • 5% Man Utd 3:1 Crystal Palace
  • 2% Man Utd 2:1 Crystal Palace
  • 2% Man Utd 1:0 Crystal Palace
  • 1% Man Utd 5:1 Crystal Palace
  • 1% Man Utd 4:1 Crystal Palace
  • 1% Man Utd 0:0 Crystal Palace
  • 0% Man Utd 0:1 Crystal Palace
  • 0% Man Utd 0:3 Crystal Palace
  • 0% Man Utd 1:1 Crystal Palace
  • 0% Man Utd 1:3 Crystal Palace
Compiled from 636 predictions.
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Match Stats

  1. Man Utd
  2. Crystal Palace
Possession
59% 41%
Shots
18 6
Shots on Target
7 1
Corners
6 5
Fouls
6 9

Referee

Mike Dean