Due to schedule rearranging Manchester United face Crystal Palace on Wednesday in London, instead of late March, teams continue to face the difficulties of a condensed schedule.
Palace could be without star man and former United forward Wilfred Zaha for at least another match, with manager Roy Hodgson hinting at a possible return later in the week when he spoke before a goalless draw against Fulham on Sunday.
Both United and Palace played to boring goalless draws at the weekend in the capital, Palace definitely were the worse side. Palace had no shots on target against an 18th placed Fulham and should have lost if it was not for the inform Vincent Guaita and a well drilled Hodgson defense.
Palace currently look safe from relegation and if they never score again this season they can still stay up, Palace will surely play for the points if they are without Zaha. They do have the ability to snatch a late goal with Christian Benteke and recent goal scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta providing good size for long ball opportunities.
United lost last September to Palace 1-3 at Old Trafford. Zaha scored two on the day including a penalty. Andros Townsend opened the scoring and looked lively on Sunday against Fulham. Aaron Wan-Bissaka oddly was left on the bench in that game and Timothy Fosu-Mensah started the game, Fosu-Mensah is no longer with the club.
United’s draw on Sunday was a controversial one as VAR did not overturn a penalty decision when Callum Hudson-Odoi looked to have handled the ball in the penalty area.
The Top 4
A few teams around United in the top 4 are in action during the week, City could go up 15 points on United after they face Wolves on Tuesday.
Leicester play Burnley on Wednesday and could overtake United at second place before United kick-off a couple hours later.
Liverpool play Chelsea on Thursday with fourth place on the line. Everton could sneak into fourth place also because West Ham will not play during the week.
United currently hold a 5 point advantage over fourth place West Ham.
Check back later for notes on the manager’s press conference.
