Manchester United will be looking to make it four wins on the bounce across all competitions later today when they take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Goals from Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo secured a 2-0 win over FCSB in the Europa League midweek, with the win confirming United's spot in the Europa League Round of 16 after finishing third in the League Phase table. Next up for United is a clash with Crystal Palace in the Premier League, where a defeat could see the Eagles overtake them in the table.
Recent results against Palace haven't gone United's way, with the 0-0 draw between the two earlier this season meaning Ruben Amorim's side have failed to win any of the last three games against the south London club. Mason Mount and Jonny Evans are both confirmed absentees, while Luke Shaw is back in training, but Amorim is unlikely to rush the Englishman back.
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So, could United make it back-to-back Premier League wins later today? Let's take a look...
Man United vs Crystal Palace score predicted
To complete this simulation, we used EA FC 25 and updated the squads with the latest injuries and suspensions.
We predict that United could set up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with their line-up as follows: Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Dalot, Ugarte, Mainoo, Mazraoui; Amad, Fernandes; Hojlund.
We predict that Palace could line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with their starting XI as follows: Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Hughes, Lerma, Mitchell; Sarr, Eze; Mateta.
Amorim's side were in full control in the opening 30 minutes, with Amad and Mainoo both testing the 'keeper early on. The pressure from the hosts didn't slow down, and in the 36th minute, United found the opener.
As Rasmus Hojlund entered a footrace with Chris Richards towards goal, the striker was brought down by a rash challenge, resulting in a yellow card for the defender. Bruno Fernandes stepped up to take the resulting free-kick, and the United captain curled a wonderful set-piece into the top corner to make it 1-0.
Hojlund continued to make aggressive runs in behind the Palace defence as he caused all sorts of issues for the visitors, with Richards especially struggling to deal with his pace. The striker missed a few chances in the first half, but the good service continued, and he got on the scoresheet just before the break.
As United hit Palace on the break, Hojlund overlapped Fernandes down the left channel, giving the midfielder an easy pass through to the striker. Hojlund took the pass into his stride before breaking into the box, and a devastating finish saw the Dane fire past the 'keeper at his near post to double the lead.
There was less attacking intent from Amorim's side in the second half, but United defended well to nullify any threat from the Eagles, holding out for a comfortable victory at Old Trafford.
EA FC 25 predicted final score: Man United 2-0 Crystal Palace
What do you think the final score will be? Let us know in the comments!
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