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Manchester United head into this fixture as the Premier League’s most in-form side, but a resurgent Crystal Palace team that appears to have “pressed the reset button” could provide a stern test at Old Trafford.
United’s revival under Michael Carrick gathered further momentum with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Everton last weekend, keeping the Red Devils firmly inside the top four. The numbers under Carrick are extremely impressive: United are unbeaten in ten league matches since Boxing Day (six wins, four draws) and have collected a league-high 22 points in that period. Even more remarkably, Carrick himself remains unbeaten across his two spells in charge, and he now stands on the brink of history as he attempts to become the first United manager since 1971 to win his first five home league games in charge.
Old Trafford has once again become a fortress. United have taken 27 points from their last 12 home league matches (eight wins, three draws, one defeat), a dramatic improvement compared to the struggles earlier in the campaign. That surge in home form is a major reason why the hosts are considered strong favourites, although they know Palace will not be easy opponents.
The Eagles arrive in improved shape after navigating a difficult mid-season spell. Oliver Glasner’s men have lost just once in their last six matches in all competitions and boosted confidence with a 2-0 victory over Zrinjski to reach the UEFA Conference League last 16. However, their Premier League away record against elite opposition remains a major concern. Palace have managed only two wins in their last 26 away league games against teams starting the day in the top six, a statistic that highlights the size of the challenge awaiting them in Manchester.
Recent head-to-head history adds intrigue. United won the reverse fixture 2-1 and are chasing their first league double over Palace since the 2017/18 season. Yet the London side have enjoyed recent success at Old Trafford, winning their last two league visits and now chasing a rare third consecutive away victory at the ground. That record alone should ensure United approach this match with caution.
From a betting perspective, several trends stand out. United matches are producing a league-high average of 1.96 second-half goals, suggesting the game could open up after the break. Palace, meanwhile, have scored exactly once in each of their last five away matches, showing they often find a way onto the scoresheet even when results go against them. Given United’s strong momentum but Palace’s knack for nicking an away goal, the combination of a home win with both teams scoring looks particularly appealing for punters.
Individually, Benjamin Šeško is pushing hard for a regular starting role after scoring three decisive goals in United’s last four games, while Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson has historically performed well against his former club, recording three clean sheets in four league meetings. Team news could also play a role, with United monitoring Lisandro Martínez and Mason Mount, while Palace are set to be without striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Everything considered, United’s confidence, home strength and unbeaten run give them the edge, but Palace’s recent improvement and strong Old Trafford record suggest this may not be entirely straightforward.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Crystal Palace.
