Manchester United return to Old Trafford on Sunday to take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
The next crisis never seems too far away on the red half of Manchester, so you can only whisper the next few words, but are United on the up again?
There was some fortune in the way they prevailed at Craven Cottage last week, but the measured nature of their victory in Bucharest on Thursday was oddly serene. No drama. No chaos. A professional 2-0 win saw them into the Europa League round of 16.
Up next for Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils is a Premier League bout against Crystal Palace which kick-starts a much quieter February.
There should be changes from Thursday’s win in the Romanian capital, and here’s how United could line up on Sunday.
Ther’s bound to be some rotation from Thursday’s professional victory, with the likes of Manuel Ugarte, Harry Maguire, and Andre Onana among those expected to return to Amorim’s XI.
Amad Diallo featured off the bench in Bucharest and is likely to make up a third of United’s attack on Sunday.
There are few concerns on the injury front with Victor Lindelof returning to the fold. There’s hope Luke Shaw will soon be fit to return from a hamstring injury after he was spotted in training, but we may have to wait a little longer to see Mason Mount back in action. Jonny Evans is also sidelined.
Man Utd predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1): Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dalot; Amad, Mainoo; Zirkzee.
Chelsea’s recalling of Trevoh Chalobah is a big blow for Palace, who’d achieved defensive stability with the Englishman impressing as part of the Eagles’ back three. Chris Richards returned to the team last weekend against Brentford, and he’ll likely retain his place on Sunday.
Glasner is still without midfield lynchpin Adam Wharton (groin) and Joel Ward (calf), while second-year Brazilian Matheus Franca is yet to feature this season. Cheick Doucoure and summer signing Chadi Riad will miss the rest of the season with knee injuries.
Crystal Palace predicted lineup vs Man Utd (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Hughes, Lerma, Mitchell; Sarr, Eze; Mateta.
