Manchester United v Crystal Palace: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at Old Trafford

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal brings on Michael Carrick (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United come into this game without a win in three, the same form they had at the start of the season. Two draws against West Brom and Chelsea, and a loss against local rivals City, have put them in a must win position on Saturday.

Things did seem to pick up for United when they recorded back to back wins, but after their recent baron spell, Louis van Gaal’s men show they still lack consistency.

Injuries have had a helping hand for sure, which is why Michael Carrick will almost definitely play at centre back against Palace. It was also revealed midweek that Marcos Rojo could be out for anywhere between six weeks and three months with a dislocated shoulder.

Crystal Palace have only won one in their last five Premier League outings, losing three and drawing one.

Boss Neil Warnock has made his feelings clear, believing that their winless streak is down to the officials more so than his own players. He was subsequently fined £9000 when saying that Chelsea players had influenced referee Craig Pawson.

Positives remain however in summer signing Brede Hangeland, who has collected two goals already in the league and showing a constant threat from set pieces.

Both of these sides will be vying for a result, a win for Manchester United is needed if they want to reach the top four, whilst another loss for Crystal Palace could see them slip into the relegation zone.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Crystal Palace 0 Manchester United 2 (van Persie, Rooney), Premier League, February 2014

Manchester United 2 (van Persie, Rooney) Crystal Palace 0, Premier League, September 2013

Manchester United 1 (Macheda) Crystal Palace 2 (Ambrose, Murray), League Cup, November 2011

STATS…

Robin van Persie has scored in his last two outings against Palace in which United have won 2-0.

Crystal Palace have the second worst goal difference in the Premier League.

Manchester United currently have 13 points, at this stage last season under David Moyes they had 17.

ODDS…

Manchester United to win: 1.28

Crystal Palace to win: 10.0

Draw: 5.5

CLASSIC MOMENT/MATCH

In November 2011 Manchester United and Crystal Palace met in the League Cup at Old Trafford. Palace at the time, were in the Championship, and huge underdogs. Darren Ambrose scored the first just after the hour mark, before Macheda pulled the game back level through a penalty. The game went on into extra time and in the 98 minute, Glenn Murray scored the winner sending United out of the cup. It was the first time that The Eagles had defeated United in 20 years.

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 11.00pm.