United Host Palace With Derby Bounce Back Likely

Manchester United will be looking to recover from their derby defeat last weekend as they welcome Neil Warnock`s Crystal Palace to Old Trafford tomorrow (Saturday 8th November).

Louis Van Gaal`s men have overcome their slow start to see themselves back on track for a top four finish. Prior to their unlucky 1-0 defeat at the hands of City, the club secured points against League leaders Chelsea and plucky also-rans West Bromwich Albion as well as beating Everton and West Ham United, Sam Allardyce`s men sitting in fifth position after their first ten games.

The 13-time Premier League champions have netted seven times in their last five games with six of the goals coming from different scorers. Robin van Persie, hitting an equaliser deep in injury time against Chelsea and securing the winning goal against West Ham, the only player to have scored more than once since the team`s embarrassing 5-3 loss against new boys Leicester City.

Captain Wayne Rooney hit the first against the Hammers in the 2-1 victory back in September with this followed by an identical scoreline against Everton, a game in which Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao found their names on the scoresheet. Finally, both Marouane Fallaini and Daley Blind scored their first United goals as the Red Devils needed to bounce back twice to draw 2-2 with West Brom.

Despite most players being in potent goal-scoring form, it is Colombian Falcao and three-time goalscorer Van Persie who are the 7/2 favourites to grab the first goal of the game against the Eagles. Such prices can be picked up at a number of bookmakers, though Falcao is a doubt after missing the last two matches with a knee injury.

The fortunes of tenth-placed United are in stark contrast to the efforts of Palace who have picked up only a solitary point since the final game of September.

Two second-half strikes from Hull`s Mohamed Diame and Nikica Jelavic ended the London side`s four-game unbeaten run in the Premier League under new boss Warnock. Things didn`t get any better as a late goal from Fraizer Campbell failed to save the freefalling side against table-toppers Chelsea`s who sealed a 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace began their away clash against West Bromwich Albion well holding a 2-0 lead thanks to Brede Hangeland`s 16th minute volley and a Mile Jedinak penalty. Victor Anichebe closed the gap to one before a late Saido Berahino penalty made sure the visitors had to settle for a point.

Not even an own goal from Wes Brown could save Warnock`s side at home to fellow strugglers Sunderland last time out. The game finished 3-1 with Steven Fletcher grabbing a brace to give the Black Cat`s only their second league win of the season.

As a result of this poor form and their hovering just above the relegation zone in 17th position, Crystal Palace are the massive 11/1 (betfair, Betvictor) outsiders to leave Old Trafford with the all-important win. Meanwhile, United can be backed at 1/3 (ladbrokes, paddy Power, william hill) with even a draw looking unlikely at 5/1 with betfair and Betvictor.

The home side will have to secure a result in spite of their seemingly endless misfortune in defensive positions. Marcos Rojo needed to be stretchered off in the derby as he sustained a dislocated shoulder whilst fellow centre-back Chris Smalling was given his marching orders following two yellow cards. The pair join Rafael, Jonny Evans and Phil Jones, all injured, watching from the stands.

It`s problems in the middle of the park for Palace as captain Mile Jedinak is suspended after picking up a red card against Sunderland, whilst Wilfried Zaha, on loan from United, is ineligible to play according to the terms of his loan deal. Twenty-three-year-old Stuart O`Keefe has been out since August thanks to a recurring ankle problem.

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07/11/2014     © Frixo 2026