Crystal Palace welcome Man United to Selhurst Park on Wednesday night, hoping to further dent their title hopes
After losing ground on league leaders Manchester City at the weekend, Manchester United return to action with a visit to Selhurst Park on Wednesday night, as Crystal Palace host the Red Devils.
Roy Hodgson’s side will be hoping to extend their unbeaten run to three games, having drawn with relegation-battling Fulham at the weekend. Their last midweek fixture saw them pull off one of the season’s biggest smash and grab victories, as Christian Benteke’s injury time winner downed rivals Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
Meanwhile, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping to make it 10 without defeat in all competitions, a run stretching back to January, when Sheffield United shocked everyone by winning at Old Trafford. Two draws in recent weeks have dented their title hopes, with rivals City now 12 clear at the top of the table ahead of the weekend’s Manchester derby.
Crystal Palace are suffering with more injuries than any other Premier League side right now, but Roy Hodgson has had some positive news this week, with both Connor Wickham and Jeff Schlupp returning to the squad.
Wilfried Zaha has also been out since coming off against Newcastle with a hamstring injury, but returned to training on Tuesday. Hodgson said in his press conference that he’s hoping the winger can recover in time to be involved, but faces a late assessment.
Tyrick Mitchell and Nathaniel Clyne are both out, and join the likes of James McArthur, Mamadou Sakho, James Tomkins, Wayne Hennessey and Nathan Ferguson on the sidelines.
Man United have also been boosted ahead of the game, with the news that Edinson Cavani should be fit for selection. The Uruguayan has missed United’s last three games but returned to training on Monday and should be in the 18.
If Palace can pull off the victory, they could go above Wolves and Leeds into 11th in the table and start thinking of finishing the season in the top half. If United win, they can make sure Manchester City’s lead at the top of the table doesn’t extend to 15 points.
Crystal Palace take on Manchester United at Selhurst Park on Wednesday, March 3rd. Kick-off is at 8.15pm.
