Premier League: Flying Eagles Up Next for the Busy Red Devils

Manchester United vs Crystal Palace

It’s another busy week for Manchester United, as they have a huge Premier League game coming up against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford following their 2-0 win against FCSB in the Europa League yesterday in Bucharest. Ruben Amorim’s side is on a three-game winning streak across all competitions, and they’re keen to make it four in a row. Manchester United are 12th in the English top-flight table with 29 points, and they can return to the Top 10 if they win this Sunday.

Crystal Palace are right behind Manchester United, sitting at 13^th with 27 points. Oliver Glasner’s men recently saw their five-game unbeaten run end at the hands of Brentford (2-1) last Sunday. However, with no midweek European game, the Eagles had a full week to prepare for their opponents.

Learn more about these two teams by reading our SBOTOP match preview below.

 

Talking Points

Manchester United’s youngsters are surging

The Red Devils’ recent form has improved because of the growth of their youngsters. Amad Diallo may have taken the spotlight as the team’s most dynamic attacker, but Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Toby Collyer deserve a huge shoutout.

Mainoo was Manchester United’s Man of the Match last night, as he carved up FCSB’s backline. Ruben Amorim made the bold move of deploying Mainoo as the no. 10, and the 19-year-old midfielder showcased his playmaking skills and even scored the dagger against their Romanian counterparts.

Manchester United recently received offers for Alejandro Garnacho, but the team appears reluctant to sell the young Argentine because he has been playing with more composure lately. The 20-year-old winger has effectively displaced Marcus Rashford on the left side, and he has three league goals and one assist this season.

Collyer is getting more playing time under Amorim and has repaid his trust. The 21-year-old defencive midfielder had a vital goal-line clearance against Fulham and started over Manuel Ugarte against FCSB.

If Amorim can get Rasmus Hojlund back at his best, Manchester United will be better off. The Danish international has improved his hold-up play, but his finishing remains poor.

 

Mateta banging in form for Crystal Palace

Jean-Philippe Mateta has been the key figure in Crystal Palace’s recent upturn in form, so much so that he’s one of the nominees for the Premier League Player of the Month award for January 2025. The French striker deserves the nomination for scoring four goals in his last four appearances. All in all, Mateta has eight league goals and one assist to lead the Eagles in scoring this term.

But Mateta is not the only player Manchester United need to be worried about this weekend, as Eberechi Eze, Ismaila Sarr, and Daniel Munoz are also in fine form, having combined eight league goals and 10 assists this season. The same will be expected from them this Sunday, as Adam Wharton, Cheick Doucoure, Joel Ward, Chadi Riad, and Matheus Franca remain out due to injuries.

 

History

Manchester United and Crystal Palace shared the spoils in the reverse fixture at Selhurst Park last September, as neither side found the back of the net despite having 10 shots on target combined. Then-manager Erik ten Hag was pissed the Red Devils didn’t get the win, especially since they were fresh from a 7-0 victory over Barnsley in the EFL Cup third round a few days prior.

The Red Devils have failed to score in their last three Premier League encounters against the Eagles. The last time Manchester United went four Premier League matches without scoring against an opponent was a stretch between 1981 and 1983 against Arsenal.

After going winless in the previous 22 league games against Manchester United (D4, L18), Crystal Palace have won five of their last 11 Premier League games against them (D3, L3). The Eagles have won four of their previous five Premier League away games (D1).

 

Betting Tip

The Premier League 2025 odds predict a close fight between Manchester United and Crystal Palace. Because they’re playing at home, the Red Devils have a slight edge at 2.05, while the Eagles aren’t far behind at 3.27, and a draw is at 3.25 in the 1X2 market. Given how the reverse fixture went, I’m going for a low-scoring contest, hence our recommended bet.

Don’t expect too many Premier League 2025 highlights from this match. You can also go for Under 2.75 at 1.78, Under 2.25 at 2.33, and even Total Goals 0-1 at 3.29 as viable alternatives. Meanwhile, a Correct Score of 0-0 – the result in the reverse fixture – has a huge 11.50 offer.

   

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.