Premier League preview and odds: Crystal Palace vs Manchester United

Published on: 14/12/2016

Premier League preview and odds: Crystal Palace vs Manchester United

December 14, 2016 20:00pm - Selhurst Park

Premier League

Free-scoring Crystal Palace will look to extend their unbeaten run to three games when they welcome sixth-ranked Manchester United to Selhurst Park on Wednesday night.

Palace enjoying rich scoring streak

Only the top four teams in the Premier League have scored more goals than Crystal Palace. However, only three teams have conceded more. Alan Pardew`s men have netted 10 times in the last three games alone but only managed to win one of them.

If the Eagles can complement their scoring prowess with some defensive discipline, they might just be able to haul themselves back into the top half of the table.

Last time out, the Londoners bagged a late equaliser to secure a point in a 3-3 draw at Hull City. Prior to that, they romped to a 3-0 victory at home to Southampton. Keeping a rare clean sheet in the process.

Meanwhile, opponents Manchester United are unbeaten in their last six Premier League matches and have lost just one of their last 10. However, six of those 10 matches ended in draws.

In the last round of matches, the Red Devils broke a run of three straight 1-1 draws with a 1-0 victory over top four rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Despite that win, the Manchester club are still six points adrift of the Champions League places.

Key stats

Crystal Palace have scored at least one goal in each of their last seven matches.

Palace`s last seven matches have produced over 2.5 goals.

Manchester United are unbeaten in their last six matches.

Jose Mourinho`s men have won just one of their last five away games.

Team news

The home side`s recent injury woes continue with Bakary Sako (muscle), James Tomkins (knock), Connor Wickham (knee), Steve Mandanda (knee), Jonathan Benteke (meniscus), Pape Souare (car crash) and Loic Remy (quadriceps) all out of action. In addition, Jason Puncheon is suspended for this clash.

Meanwhile, Antonio Valencia is suspended for the visitors, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan (knock), Luke Shaw (leg), Chris Smalling (foot) and James wilson (ACL) are all expected to miss out.

Recent form (League):

Crystal Palace: DWLLL

Manchester United: WDDDW

Betting odds and tips

Crystal Palace are scoring and conceding at a prolific rate but have struggled to close out games all season. A more discipline approach may be required if they are to haul themselves clear of danger.

The Eagles have conceded the opening goal in nearly three quarters of their matches and have been behind at half time in just over half of them.

United have scored two-thirds of their goals in the first half this season so they will be favourites to be leading at the break.

You can back Manchester United/Half time at 5/4 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 14/12/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (14/12/2016 08:47:36) but are subject to change.