Crystal Palace vs Man Utd tips and predictions: Mateta to strike again as Eagles beat Reds
- George Dempsey
- 3 May 2024
Crystal Palace are finishing the Premier League season strong under Oliver Glasner and we’re backing them to beat Man Utd on Monday night (2000 BST).
Manchester United travel to Selhurst Park on Monday night to tackle Crystal Palace and betting on the visitors to slip up looks like a banker.
The Red Devils have a history of slipping up against the Eagles. Not only did they lose the reverse trip 1-0, but they’re winless in three trips to London and usually make hard work of collecting points recently.
They’ve done that in their last two matches, beating already relegated Sheffield United with a late brace and throwing away two points at home to Burnley.
The form book shows they’ve won two in 10 across all competitions, with both wins coming against relegation-threatened sides in Everton and Luton.
Palace are starting to gel as a unit under Glasner as demonstrated by their recent form. The Austrian has led them on a four-match unbeaten streak since losing 4-2 to Man City.
Despite losing, they gave the champions an early scare and gave both Bournemouth and Tottenham a run for their money during their other defeats throughout the last 11 matches.
United’s defence has been a problem all season but their soft underbelly has shown itself more often since Christmas, particularly on their travels when they typically ship two or more.
A total of 13 teams have scored two or more when hosting Erik ten Hag’s side this season, including League Two Newport (2-4) and Coventry City (3-3) at Wembley.
Notably, Palace have threatened to steamroll better teams than United when seizing control of games. They’ve scored three or more in four of their last five home wins.
Team news
Sam Johnstone, Cheick Doucoure, Matheus Franca, Jefferson Lerma and Rob Holding are unavailable due to injury.
Eberechi Eze is a doubt after missing the last match. Michael Olise may continue alongside Jordan Ayew in his absence.
Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw, Willy Kambwala and Scott McTominay could miss out.
The biggest news is that Bruno Fernandes, so often United’s saviour, is a major doubt.
Key stats
- Crystal Palace are unbeaten in four and eight of 10 at Selhurst Park
- Jean-Philippe Mateta has scored seven goals in five appearances at Selhurst Park
- Man Utd have won one of their last eight matches across all competitions
- Man Utd have conceded two or more goals in 13 away matches this season
Suggested bets
Both teams to score & over 2.5 goals
