If there's a match that could start defining Manchester United's season, it's this one. Time is running out for the Red Devils to climb up to European competition spots, and a home win against a challenging Crystal Palace would help them get on the right track.
This exciting matchup is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. ET at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester.
Here is my Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace prediction and EPL odds for today's match.
Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace Prediction, Pick, Odds
| Crystal Palace Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+0.5 -120 | 2.5 -110o / -115u | +295 |
| Man U Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-0.5 -115 | 2.5 -110o / -115u | -105 |
- Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace moneyline odds: Manchester United -105, Draw +255, Crystal Palace +295
- Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace over/under: 2.5 Goals (Over -110, Under -115)
- Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace pick: Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score
I am backing Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score in the Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace match.
Manchester United Prediction
Ruben Amorim had to weather the storm to avoid being another managerial casualty on the Red Devils' bench. After losing four straight matches in December, Manchester United has stepped up with four wins in the past five games in all competitions.
If we take a look only at their Premier League contests, though, things have not improved much, which compels them even more to beat Crystal Palace. Of those four wins mentioned, two were in Europa League fixtures, so the need to keep climbing the league ladder is urgent. They are 12th in the table with 29 points, and their rivals today come right behind at 13th with 27 points.
Old Trafford is no longer a fortress or an intimidating venue, not with these players. Man United has lost six home games in the Premier League this season, with an embarrassing 5-1-6 record there, considering the club's history. They lost the last one, a 3-1 defeat against Brighton on January 19th.
The good news is their offense has improved. After going scoreless in three straight matches, they have seven goals in their past four Premier League games. Amorim was able to rotate players in their Europa League clashes, so they have fresh legs, although the injured Luke Shaw remains out of the squad, along with Jonny Evans and Mason Mount.
Crystal Palace Prediction
The Eagles' abysmal start of the season made them seem like a relegation lock. That's no longer the case, fortunately. It took them until the ninth matchday to get their first win, but Crystal Palace proved worthy of respect as the season progressed.
They have won three of their last five games and have become an away threat, performing better when visiting (4-4-3) than at home (2-5-5). The Eagles are currently on a seven-game unbeaten streak on the road, losing their last match at a rival's stadium on October 21st against Nottingham Forest, and they have won three out of their past four away Premier League matches.
The only thing curbing their enthusiasm is the injury report. They will miss star player Eberechi Eze for this match and lose Cheick Doucoure and Chadi Riad for the rest of the season. However, it's not all bad news, as Matheus Franca and Adam Wharton are likely to return to the team today.
Even without Eze, the Eagles deploy quick transition attacks and could benefit from Manchester United's defensive woes. Crystal Palace's top goalscorer (8), Jean-Philippe Mateta, can wreak havoc with his skills and size.
Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace Prediction
Considering Manchester United's struggles at home in the Premier League and Crystal Palace's excellent away record of late could tempt you into supporting the Eagles in this match. But the scoring streaks seem more intriguing.
The Red Devils have been unable to keep a clean sheet in their past five home games, conceding a whopping 12 goals in that stretch. On the other hand, the Eagles have managed to score in six of their past seven contests on the road, with 2+ goals in five of those.
Therefore, a better approach might be to go for the total in a battle of needs.
Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace Pick: Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score (+120, DraftKings)
