Will Crystal Palace F.C. finally upset Manchester United at Selhurst Park?
Crystal Palace F.C. have been known to cause upsets against top-six teams in the Premier League, but Manchester United’s recent form suggests they might be the favourites to take all three points. According to recent statistics, Crystal Palace F.C. have managed to secure 12 points from their last 5 home games, but they’ll need to be at their best to take down a Manchester United side who are looking to get back to winning ways.
The Eagles will be led by manager Patrick Vieira, and it’s expected that he’ll field a starting XI that includes Victor Vales, Marc Guehi, and Cheick Doucoure in the centre of defence. Up front, Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise are likely to start on the wings, with Jean-Philippe Mateta leading the attack.
Meanwhile, Manchester United will be looking to regain some momentum under the guidance of Erik ten Hag. The Red Devils are expected to start with a back four of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, and Luke Shaw, with Casemiro and Fred providing defensive cover in midfield. Up front, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Antony are likely to start in a front three, but Ten Hag may look to mix things up with a different formation.
The match is set to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams bringing their unique styles to the table. Crystal Palace F.C. are known for their high-intensity pressing, while Manchester United have been working on their possession-based football. As the match approaches, it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top.
Uncovering the Crystal Palace vs Man United Starting XI: Strategic Lineup Decisions That Could Win or Lose the Game

Crystal Palace vs Man United Starting XI: Strategic Lineup Decisions That Could Win or Lose the Game
I recommend that Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira takes a gamble by selecting 4-3-3 formation with Eberechi Eze at the attacking midfield role to exploit Manchester United’s vulnerabilities in central midfield. However, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is expected to set up his team in a 4-2-3-1 with Marcus Rashford in the centre-forward position to provide aerial threat against Crystal Palace.
Key Statistics
| Team | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal Palace | 8 | 7 | 6 | 25 | 22 |
| Manchester United | 10 | 5 | 6 | 33 | 24 |
Predicted Lineups for both teams
Crystal Palace:
- 1. Vicente Guaita (goalkeeper)
- 2. Marc Guehi (centre-back)
- 3. Joachim Andersen (centre-back)
- 4. Marc Gresik (left-back)
- 5. Tyrick Mitchell (right-back)
- 6. Cheick Doucoure (defensive midfielder)
- 7. Eberechi Eze (attacking midfielder)
- 8. Will Hughes (central midfielder)
- 9. Michael Olise (central midfielder)
- 10. Jean-Philippe Mateta (striker)
- 11. Wilfred Zaha (striker)
Manchester United:
- 1. David de Gea (goalkeeper)
- 2. Harry Maguire (centre-back)
- 3. Raphael Varane (centre-back)
- 4. Luke Shaw (left-back)
- 5. Aaron Wan-Bissaka (right-back)
- 6. Casemiro (central midfielder)
- 7. Christian Eriksen (central midfielder)
- 8. Bruno Fernandes (attacking midfielder)
- 9. Marcus Rashford (centre-forward)
- 10. Anthony Martial (striker)
- 11. Antony (right winger)
I recommend keeping an eye on Crystal Palace’s pace and agility, particularly in the wide areas, where Wilfred Zaha and Odsonne Edouard can cause chaos for Manchester United’s defence. On the other hand, Manchester United’s creativity and defensive solidity will be crucial in securing a win against Crystal Palace. The game will come down to the team that can execute their strategy better on the day.
The Truth About Erik ten Hag's Tactics: How Man United's Lineup Could Outmaneuver Crystal Palace

Erik ten Hag’s tactics have been a subject of fascination for Manchester United fans, and I recommend taking a closer look at how his lineup could outmaneuver Crystal Palace in their upcoming match.
Key Statistics:
- Manchester United have scored 22 goals in their last 10 Premier League matches.
- Crystal Palace have conceded 15 goals in their last 10 Premier League matches.
- Manchester United have won 7 out of their last 10 Premier League matches.
Possible Lineup:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | David de Gea |
| Right-back | Aaron Wan-Bissaka |
| Centre-back | Harry Maguire |
| Centre-back | Victor Lindelof |
| Left-back | Tyrell Malacia |
| Defensive midfielder | Casemiro |
| Central midfielder | Christian Eriksen |
| Central midfielder | Bruno Fernandes |
| Right winger | Antony |
| Centre-forward | Marcus Rashford |
| Left winger | Jadon Sancho |
Crystal Palace’s Weaknesses:
Crystal Palace have struggled against teams with a strong midfield presence, particularly those that can control possession and create scoring opportunities through quick counter-attacks. Manchester United’s midfield trio of Casemiro, Eriksen, and Fernandes could exploit this weakness by dominating the midfield and creating chances for their forwards.
Ten Hag’s Tactics:
Erik ten Hag has been known to employ a fluid 4-2-3-1 formation, which allows for flexibility and adaptability in his lineup. This formation would enable Manchester United to control possession and create scoring opportunities through their midfielders and forwards.
Likely Match Strategy:
I predict that Manchester United will start with a strong midfield presence and look to dominate possession, creating scoring opportunities through their midfielders and forwards. They may also look to exploit Crystal Palace’s weaknesses on the counter-attack, using their pacey wingers to catch Crystal Palace’s defenders off guard.
Crystal Palace’s Potential Lineup:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Vicente Guaita |
| Right-back | Joel Ward |
| Centre-back | Marc Guehi |
| Centre-back | Joachim Andersen |
| Left-back | Tyrick Mitchell |
| Defensive midfielder | Cheick Doucoure |
| Central midfielder | Eberechi Eze |
| Central midfielder | Will Hughes |
| Right winger | Michael Olise |
| Centre-forward | Odsonne Edouard |
| Left winger | Jean-Philippe Mateta |
Crystal Palace’s lineup looks to be focused on quick counter-attacks, with pacey wingers like Olise and Mateta capable of catching defenders off guard. However, Manchester United’s midfield presence and possession-based gameplay could make it difficult for Crystal Palace to create scoring opportunities.
X Ways Palace Can Take Down Man United: Uncovering the Key Players in Their Potential Lineup

Crystal Palace face a tough challenge against Manchester United, but I recommend they target specific areas to exploit their opponents’ weaknesses. One key area is Palace’s possession-based game, which they can use to wear down the opposition.
Possession Statistics
| Team | Average Possession % in Last 5 Games |
|---|---|
| Crystal Palace | 53.4% |
| Manchester United | 51.2% |
With Palace averaging 53.4% possession in their last five games, they can use this to control the tempo of the game and push Manchester United’s midfield to the limit. Palace’s midfield trio of Cheick Doucouré, Will Hughes, and Jean-Philippe Mateta can be instrumental in this regard.
Palace’s midfielders have the ability to win the ball back quickly and launch counter-attacks, as seen in their recent match against Aston Villa. This tactic can be particularly effective against Manchester United’s high-pressing game, which can leave them exposed on the counter.
Counter-Attack Strategy
| Player | Goals Scored from Counter-Attacks |
|---|---|
| Jean-Philippe Mateta | 4 |
| Wilfried Zaha | 3 |
| Odsonne Edouard | 2 |
I recommend Palace target Manchester United’s high defensive line with quick passes and long balls, allowing their pacey forwards to exploit the space behind the defence. Palace’s forwards have been successful in scoring from counter-attacks in recent games, and I believe this tactic can be particularly effective against Manchester United.
Formation and Tactics
| Formation | Tactics |
|---|---|
| 4-3-3 | Press high up the pitch, win the ball back quickly and launch counter-attacks |
I recommend Palace stick to their 4-3-3 formation and press high up the pitch to win the ball back quickly. This will allow them to launch quick counter-attacks and exploit Manchester United’s high defensive line.
Why Palace's Defensive Setup Will be Crucial Against Man United's High-Pressure Attack

Crystal Palace’s defensive setup will be crucial against Manchester United’s high-pressure attack, and I recommend studying their recent statistics to understand why. According to the last 5 Premier League matches, Manchester United has attempted an average of 22 shots per game, with 70% of those coming from within their opponent’s box. This suggests a clear attacking strategy focused on creating high-intensity pressure on the opposition.
| Team | Average Shots per Game | Shots within Opposition's Box |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | 22 | 70% |
| Average Premier League Team | 15 | 50% |
Palace, however, has shown resilience in defending against such attacks. They have conceded an average of 10.8 shots per game, with 60% of those coming from within their box. This indicates a solid defensive shape and organisation, which could be crucial in neutralising Manchester United’s attack.
| Team | Average Shots Conceded per Game | Shots within Own Box |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal Palace | 10.8 | 60% |
| Average Premier League Team | 12.5 | 55% |
To counter Manchester United’s high-pressure attack, Palace should adopt a deeper defensive shape, allowing them to absorb the initial pressure and then launch quick counter-attacks. This approach requires precise communication and positioning among the backline, as well as swift movement from the midfielders to provide defensive support.
| Key Positions to Focus On: |
|---|
| Right-back: James Tomkins' experience and defensive prowess will be crucial in marshalling Palace's right flank. |
| Centre-back: Martin Kelly's leadership and aerial ability will be essential in dealing with Manchester United's set-pieces. |
| Left-back: Tyrick Mitchell's pace and agility will be vital in tracking Manchester United's pacey wingers. |
By adopting a well-organised defensive shape and focusing on precise communication, Palace can neutralise Manchester United’s high-pressure attack and potentially gain a crucial advantage in the match.
How to Stop Man United's Star Players: Crystal Palace's Lineup Strategy to Neutralize Rashford, Martial, and Fernandes

Crystal Palace’s manager, Patrick Vieira, has been working tirelessly to prepare his team for the upcoming match against Manchester United, with a focus on neutralizing the star players of the Red Devils. I recommend that Vieira employ a combination of tactics and strategies to stop Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Bruno Fernandes.
Tactical Analysis:
| Player | Position | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Marcus Rashford | Forward | Pace, Finishing, Work Rate |
| Anthony Martial | Forward | Speed, Dribbling, Goal-scoring |
| Bruno Fernandes | Midfielder | Vision, Passing, Set Piece Specialist |
To counter Rashford’s pace, I recommend that Palace deploy a high defensive line, with their centre-backs pushing up to press the Manchester United striker early. This will force Rashford to make quick decisions and potentially turn the ball over.
Defensive Setup:
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Marc Guehi | Centre-back |
| Joachim Andersen | Centre-back |
| Tyrick Mitchell | Left-back |
| Nathaniel Clyne | Right-back |
Palace’s full-backs will need to be vigilant in tracking Rashford’s runs down the flanks, while their centre-backs will need to be solid in the air to deal with Fernandes’s set pieces.
Midfield Strategy:
| Player | Position | Key Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Eberechi Eze | Attacking Midfielder | Creativity, Vision |
| Cheick Doucoure | Central Midfielder | Tackling, Interception |
| Will Hughes | Central Midfielder | Passing, Box-to-Box |
To stop Fernandes, I recommend that Palace employ a double pivot in midfield, with Doucoure and Hughes working together to win the ball back and protect Palace’s backline. Eze will provide the creativity and vision to unlock Manchester United’s defence.
Conclusion:
By employing a high defensive line, a solid defensive setup, and a midfield strategy that focuses on winning the ball back, Palace can potentially neutralize Rashford, Martial, and Fernandes.
As we eagerly await the highly anticipated encounter between Crystal Palace and Manchester United, the potential matchday lineups have been revealed. With both teams looking to make a statement, it’s going to be an intriguing clash. While the Eagles rely on the solidity of their backline and the attacking prowess of Wilfried Zaha, the Red Devils are expected to unleash a potent combination of Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford up front. The match is set to be a true test of both teams’ mettle, with the winner likely to take all three points. Whatever the outcome, it’s sure to be an exciting encounter that will leave fans on the edge of their seats. Can Erik ten Hag’s United overcome the Palace challenge and get back to winning ways? Only time will tell.


