Manchester United vs Crystal Palace — Match Preview and Prediction

Old Trafford hosts a clash with clear momentum on the line as Manchester United welcome Crystal Palace on 1 March 2026 (Premier League, 14:00 GMT). United arrive on the back of a strong run and sit inside the top four, while Palace are hunting consistency as they try to climb away from the lower midtable.

Form and Stakes

• Manchester United: United have been quietly effective in recent weeks, compiling an unbeaten run across competitions and pushing for Champions League places; their attack has found rhythm while the defence has tightened.
• Crystal Palace: Palace’s season has been patchy — flashes of resilience mixed with worrying lapses — and they need points to avoid slipping into a relegation scrap. Their recent home/away splits and injury list have made consistency difficult.

Team News and Likely Lineups

Manchester United

• Injury/availability: United have managed to keep key pieces fit through February, though rotation is possible after midweek fixtures. New signings have started to bed in and are being used to add depth in wide and forward areas.
• Probable XI (shape 4-2-3-1): Henderson; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Matheus Cunha (or the manager’s preferred striker). This reflects the balance between control in midfield and pace on the flanks.

Crystal Palace

• Injury/availability: Palace have had knocks to attacking options at times this season; selection will depend on late fitness checks but the manager is likely to stick with a compact, counter-ready setup.
• Probable XI (shape 3-4-2-1): Henderson; three at the back with wing-backs; creative support behind a lone striker such as Mateta or the in-form forward the manager trusts. Palace will look to be compact and hit United on transitions.

Tactical Battle

• Midfield control vs transition threat: United will aim to dominate possession and use Bruno Fernandes and the attacking midfielders to unlock Palace’s compact block. Palace’s best route to goal is quick transitions and exploiting space behind United’s full-backs when they push high.
• Set-piece and aerial duels: With both sides having physical presences, dead-ball situations could be decisive. United’s recent defensive improvements reduce Palace’s margin for error from set plays.

Prediction and Scoreline

• Verdict: Manchester United to win. Old Trafford form, squad depth and recent momentum give United the edge. Palace are dangerous on the break but will struggle to sustain pressure for 90 minutes at Old Trafford.
• Score prediction: Manchester United 2–0 Crystal Palace. Expect United to control the game and convert one or two chances while keeping Palace largely at arm’s length.

Betting and Fantasy Tips

• Best bets: Home win; United to keep a clean sheet; Bruno Fernandes to be involved in a goal (goal or assist) given his chance-creation numbers.
• Fantasy pointers: Pick a United attacker for upside; Palace assets are riskier unless you expect a counter-attacking surprise.

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