Manchester United stumbled against Southampton and will be looking to make amends when they travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace on Thursday night.
United were leading the game before Saints substitute Michael Obafemi bundled in a last-minute winner to set back the host’s top four hopes.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has picked the same starting XI for the past five games in a row, and it seems like he has paid the price for this decision, as they slipped up in their pursuit of Champions League football.
Solskjaer has made it clear he will give Luke Shaw every chance to recover from an ankle injury to start the pivotal clash with Crystal Palace, while there are lingering doubts over Brandon Williams, who sustained a cut above his eye in the draw with the Saints.
United failed to capitalise on Leicester’s defeat to Bournemouth after conceding the injury time equaliser, which leaves them fifth in the Premier League table on goal difference as they head into the crunch stage of the competition.
Transfer Tavern have worked on a predicted starting lineup, which sees Solskjaer make three changes to the side that faced Southampton at Old Trafford.
Solskjaer has started every game since the Premier League restart in his favourite 4-2-3-1 formation and it is unlikely he will want to mess around with his preferred system with so much at stake in the remainder of the season.
There is no doubt the Norwegian will be keeping an eye on the FA Cup semi-final with Chelsea at the weekend. Bearing this in mind, it is likely fans will see several changes, as this is surely the perfect opportunity for Solskjaer to give some of his key players a well-deserved rest.
Palace’s safety is assured, and they arguably have nothing left to play for other than pride, but they will relish the opportunity to beat a side who have won seven out of the past ten games.
The Eagles actually stunned the Red Devils back in August at Old Trafford, as Patrick van Aanholt scored in stoppage time to give them their first win against United in the Premier League.
Mason Greenwood, 18, had a quiet game against the Saints for a player of his standards and is reportedly struggling with a swollen ankle. This could give Solskjaer the chance to test Daniel James’ mettle.
The 22-year-old has struggled for consistency this season, scoring just three goals in the Premier League so far, despite being given plenty of opportunities.
Who should start for Man United?
Daniel James
Juan Mata
Mason Greenwood
However, Palace have lost their last five games in a row, and James could replace Greenwood on the right wing in a rare start in recent weeks.
At the other end of the pitch, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka line up in front of the club’s first choice keeper David de Gea, as is often the case. Maguire has recently been singled out for criticism by a number of pundits, including Roy Keane and Craig Burley, and he will be eager to prove himself once again.
Meanwhile, Victor Lindelof has tried (and failed) to look convincing next to the club captain, receiving a low WhoScored rating of 6.69 overall in the process.
On the other hand, Eric Bailly is fully match-fit, and his physicality could work in United’s favour against Jordan Ayew and Wilfried Zaha.
While questions still remain over the extent of Shaw’s injury, Williams was spotted turning up to training at Carrington ahead of the game, despite the fact the gash required six stitches. Working on the proviso that Shaw will not be available, Williams may start in his place instead.
Make no mistake, this is a must-win game for Man United, if they are to keep their hopes of reaching the top four alive, and Solskjaer will need his players to be fully fit and ready to go.
United fans, do you think this is how Solskjaer will line up at Selhurst Park? Let us know down below!
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