Sabasports Match Preview
Premier League: Manchester United vs Crystal Palace
Kickoff Time: 2026-3-1 22:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff
Manchester United edged out Everton 1-0 away last time out, having claimed an impressive record of 5 wins and 1 draw in their past six league games, and they are in excellent form. Since Michael Carrick took charge, United have been a transformed side, especially in attack. So far this season, United have scored 46 league goals — the third-highest in the Premier League, behind only Manchester City and Arsenal. Their attacking threat is also well-distributed across the team. In addition, United’s ability to create chances has improved significantly; not only their attacking players, but also 6 defenders have contributed goals or assists. Notably, United have also made rapid progress from set pieces, ranking second only to Arsenal in set-piece goals — a key factor behind their recent strong run of points.
Crystal Palace beat Zielinski 2-0 at home in the Conference League in midweek, advancing to the round of 16 with a 3-1 aggregate victory. However, Palace’s fitness is a major concern due to their busy schedule. This season, almost every time Palace have played in Europe in midweek, they have struggled to win the subsequent league game. In 8 such matches, they have recorded just 1 win, 2 draws and 6 defeats. Oliver Glasner’s side appear unable to maintain high intensity in quick succession. Besides fatigue, Palace are also suffering from a serious injury crisis. Their key attacker Jean-Philippe Mateta is sidelined through injury. The injuries to Maxence Lacroix and the winter departure of Marc Guéhi have further forced Palace to restructure their defensive and attacking systems.
Manchester United are superior to Crystal Palace in terms of quality, overall performance and form. United also enjoy a fitness advantage as they are only competing domestically. In the first league meeting this season, United won 2-1 away against Palace.Heading into this rematch, the in-form Manchester United are undoubtedly worth backing.
Manchester United’s Last 5 Games: WDWWW
26-02-24 Everton 0-1 Manchester United
26-02-11 West Ham 1-1 Manchester United
26-02-07 Manchester United 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur
26-02-01 Manchester United 3-2 Fulham
26-01-26 Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United
Crystal Palace ‘s Last 5 Games: WWDLW
26-02-27 Crystal Palace 2-0 Zielinski
26-02-22 Crystal Palace 1-0 Wolves
26-02-20 Zielinski 1-1 Crystal Palace
26-02-12 Crystal Palace 2-3 Burnley
26-02-08 Brighton 0-1 Crystal Palace
Head-To-Head Record
25-11-30 Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester United
25-02-02 Manchester United 0-2 Crystal Palace
24-09-22 Crystal Palace 0-0 Manchester United
24-05-07 Crystal Palace 4-0 Manchester United
23-09-30 Manchester United 0-1 Crystal Palace
Prediction: Manchester United wins at home