Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace Premier League Odds, Picks, Preview: Could Cristiano Ronaldo, Red Devils Have Their Hands Full?

Man United vs. Crystal Palace Odds

Manchester United looks to get their first win of the Ralph Rangnick era on Sunday when they host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils earned a 3-2 victory over Arsenal on Thursday, which has put them right back in the race for the top four. Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored his 800th career goal in that match against the Gunners, has been the savior of a really poor United team up until this point.

Now, the question remains as to whether or not they can they break a very good defensive side like Crystal Palace.

The Eagles lost on Tuesday in heartbreaking fashion, giving up a penalty in the 91st minute in a 1-0 defeat to Leeds United. They’ve have had a resurgent season under new manager Patrick Viera, but a win at Old Trafford for the third consecutive season could vault Crystal Palace into the top half of the table.

Tactical Questions Remain for Man United

It was easy for former United caretaker manager Michael Carrick to set up very defensive against Chelsea, knowing they would have a large share of the possession and be the aggressors. Then against Arsenal, Manchester United played more on the front foot, but left so much space open at the back. 

Well, now what are the Red Devils going to do against a Crystal Palace side that loves to sit deep and hit teams on the counter? Crystal Palace is really good defensively as well, as they’re third in NPxG allowed and second in big scoring chances conceded.

In the past, Rangnick's have been good defensive sides and he provides more structure than what Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Carrick had. With that being said, it's going to take some time for him to implement that type of structure.

Defense Has Been Strength for Crystal Palace

The Eagles have been fantastic defensively this season, allowing only 0.99 npxG per match. The Eagles are also fifth in shots allowed per 90 minutes, and second in big scoring chances allowed.

Crystal Palace has the second-most pressures this season, with a majority of them coming in their own final third of the pitch. Manchester United is allowing the sixth-highest pressure success rate and has been one of the worst EPL teams in defensive transition.

So, Crystal Palace will be able hit United on the counter since they have no shape or structure right now, which has caused them to allow 1.80 expected goals per match. 

I only have Manchester United projected at -133 odds, so I’m finding plenty of value on Crystal Palace getting a full goal at -120 odds at DraftKings and will make it my top selection.

Pick: Crystal Palace +1 (-120)