## Match Overview Crystal Palace will welcome Manchester United to Selhurst Park on Sunday lunchtime in an important Premier League clash. United arrive under pressure after a disappointing home defeat, while Palace seek to build momentum and climb the mid-table positions. ### Team Form - **Crystal Palace:** Managed by Oliver Glasner, Palace have been inconsistent but showed resilience in recent weeks. Their defensive organization at home has improved, although their attack still struggles to convert chances. - **Manchester United:** Erik ten Hag’s side are looking to recover from a recent setback. Defensive lapses and injuries have disrupted their rhythm, but the team remains dangerous on the counter through quick transitions. ### Key Players to Watch - **Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace):** Known for creativity and dribbling, Eze remains the central figure in Palace’s attacking play. - **Jean-Philippe Mateta:** The forward’s physical presence could trouble United’s backline, particularly on set pieces. - **Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United):** The captain drives United’s offensive tempo and tends to deliver in high-pressure fixtures. - **Rasmus Højlund:** Expected to lead the line, his movement off the ball will be a test for Palace’s defenders. ### Tactical Outlook Glasner is likely to adopt a 3-4-2-1 setup focused on compact defense and quick wing play. Manchester United could mirror that with a 4-2-3-1 formation, relying on possession control and rapid breaks through the flanks. Both managers emphasize transition phases, so control of midfield could prove decisive. ### Predicted Lineups **Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1):** Johnstone; Andersen, Guéhi, Ward; Clyne, Lerma, Doucouré, Mitchell; Eze, Olise; Mateta. **Manchester United (4-2-3-1):** Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; Amrabat, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Højlund. ### Match Prediction Manchester United’s quality in attack might eventually tell, but Palace’s home advantage and structure make this a close encounter. Expect a tight contest possibly ending in a **1–1 draw**. > “We know it will be a tough game. We must respond strongly after our last performance,” said Erik ten Hag in the pre‑match conference. > Oliver Glasner countered: “Facing United always brings great motivation. We want to make Selhurst loud.” *** **Author’s summary:** A tense and tactical Premier League battle looms as Crystal Palace host Manchester United, with both sides chasing stability after uneven performances.

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Sports Illustrated — 2025-11-30