To say that Manchester United had a disappointing 2016-17 Premier League season would be a severe understatement. After splashing the cash on Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, many were expecting Jose Mourinho to finally deliver United’s first league title since 2013. Draws have hampered their Premier League campaign, however, as the Red Devils will finish below the top four for the second year running. It’s the first time that Mourinho has finished lower than third in his managerial career. United have drawn a whopping 15 league games this season – their most ever in a Premier League campaign.
With United’s attention solely focused on Wednesday’s Europa League final against Ajax, we can expect Mourinho to field a weakened side against Crystal Palace this coming Saturday. He alluded to that fact after the 0-0 draw against Southampton, saying his potential team for Sunday will feature Demitri Mitchell, Scott McTominay, Axel Tuanzebe, Matty Willock, Josh Harrop, Zachary Dearnley and Joel Castro Pereira. Who are those guys?
Even if the Red Devils win their remaining game, this will be their lowest tally of victories in a single Premier League season (currently 17). United last had fewer in 1990-91 (16 wins).
United are pegged at -130to score first in this match.
Sam Allardyce has done it again! Big Sam has once again emerged victorious in a relegation scrap, leading Crystal Palace to Premier League survival with a resounding 4-0 victory against Hull City on Sunday. Next season will be the Eagles’ fifth consecutive Premier League campaign, their longest run in the top flight in 112 years.
They will look to end their season on a high when they travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. Although they are safe from relegation, this will not be a dead rubber for the Eagles as they fight for position-based bonuses. Allardyce mentioned that Crystal Palace’s transfer budget will be bigger as well if they go up a couple of places, so expect Palace to come out swinging against United.
Expected to start for Palace in this clash is Wilfried Zaha. He played a crucial role in helping Palace retain their Premier League status, scoring seven goals and dishing out nine assists this season. The 24-year-old winger is in talks to sign a new £110,000-a-week deal with Crystal Palace.
The Eagles are pegged at +120to score first in this match.
Writer’s Prediction
Manchester United end their season with yet another draw.
