This feels like a perfect moment for a “whisper it quietly” so here it goes: whisper it quietly, but Crystal Palace have become a bit of a bogey team for Manchester United in recent times. Over the course of their last 11 meetings, Palace have the upper hand, winning five to United’s four, and the Red Devils’ four includes one League Cup success, only enhancing the ratio of victories for the Eagles in the league. Last season embodied that emphatically, as Palace secured their first ever league double over United, captured with a 4-0 thumping at Selhurst Park in May.
Momentum was firmly with Oliver Glasner back then, but a winless start to this Premier League season has tempered that to say the least. It is hardly overwhelming, but United are riding slightly more positively after a reassuring 3-0 win at Southampton as well as a 7-0 rout of a truly hopeless Barnsley. Those victories make the visitors slight favourites at best odds of 6/4 with BetGoodwin, while Palace will try and overcome odds of 9/5 with Betfair.
Crystal Palace vs Man Utd Tips
Tip #1 – Manchester United to Win & Marcus Rashford to Score @ 6/1 with BetMGM
It is very early days to claim that Marcus Rashford is firmly back in form, but he has always been a player so reliant on streaks. In a difficult 2023/24 season, he managed just seven, yet 30 arrived in all competitions when United finished third in 2022/23, and reached the final of both domestic cups.
Three goals in his last two games may not speak to much given the opposition he faced, but he has, perhaps more importantly, racked up the minutes to get his match fitness back. Equally, Palace’s right-hand side looks the most likely to be exploited, with Nathaniel Clyne as the widest centre back of three on that side. Both he and Daniel Munoz at wing back were substituted against Leicester midway through their comeback and if Rashford has his confidence back, that could be enough to inspire United against an Eagles side that has looked shaky on home turf so far.
Tip #2 – Under 1.5 Goals in the Match @ 17/4 with BetMGM
Goals had been at a premium between these two sides in the Premier League prior to the 4-0 four months ago. Only eight goals were scored in six games stretching back to the beginning of 2021 so while neither side is in strong enough form to be significant favourites, it is worth banking on this being a tense affair.
Under 2.5 is slightly too close to Evens to be a tempting enough bet for all it seems slightly likelier than the over. However, under 1.5 is a touch over 4/1 and can be combined on BetMGM for a bet builder with our first tip at odds of 50/1 all told. If you fancy combining them, it could be very profitable overall.
Crystal Palace Performances So Far
The League Cup has provided some respite, but Palace’s league start has been far from inspiring since losing Michael Olise’s presence over the summer. A set of fixtures that would not have held many fears has yielded just two points thus far.
Crystal Palace Last 5 Results (Premier League Unless Stated)
QPR 1-2 Crystal Palace (League Cup)
Crystal Palace 2-2 Leicester
Chelsea 1-1 Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace 4-0 Norwich (League Cup)
Crystal Palace 0-2 West Ham
Man Utd Performances So Far
It has not been the ideal start for Manchester United, the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool still a sore spot. However, but for a disappointing late concession at Brighton, there has been some promise, with ten goals scored in the last week. They will be hoping they can maintain that upward trajectory in this trickier contest.
Man Utd Results So Far
Man Utd 7-0 Barnsley (League Cup)
Southampton 0-3 Man Utd
Man Utd 0-3 Liverpool
Brighton 2-1 Man Utd
Man Utd 1-0 Fulham