Crystal Palace host Manchester United in a matchup between one of the league’s strongest defences and a United side that remains unpredictable away from home.
Crystal Palace remain defensively solid
Only Arsenal have conceded fewer goals this season, and Palace’s defensive organisation continues to impress. They come into this match after three consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League, and importantly, they remain unbeaten at Selhurst Park. However, four of their six home games have ended in draws, showing a recurring tendency to keep matches tight but not always find the breakthrough.
Manchester United searching for consistency
United arrive unbeaten in five of their last six matches in all competitions, scoring at least twice in each of their unbeaten run. Yet their momentum was halted abruptly with a disappointing 0-1 home defeat to Everton, despite playing most of the match with a numerical advantage. Away from home, United still struggle to convince - they haven’t kept a clean sheet on the road this season and have only one away win, albeit a notable 2-1 victory over Liverpool.
Prediction: 1-1
Both teams show contrasting strengths: Palace defend exceptionally well, while United consistently create chances but remain vulnerable at the back in away games. With Palace’s home draw tendency and United’s inability to shut teams out on the road, a balanced and tense encounter is the most realistic scenario. A 1-1 draw reflects the pattern of both teams’ performances and offers the most logical prediction.
