Crystal Palace will go head to head with Manchester United on Saturday at the Selhurst Park. Looking at the position of both these teams in the Premier League table and this fixture promises to be a tasty one. Crystal Palace have lost 3 games on a trot, however, it would be unfair to rule them out as a potential victor in this game. On the other hand for Manchester United a win in this fixture would help soothe their nerves after a premature exit from Capital One Cup in mid-week.
Here is the strongest possible Manchester United lineup to face Crystal Palace …
David de Gea
After getting a much needed rest in the mid-week, David De Gea should regain his position in the Manchester United goal. The Spaniard has kept 3 clean-sheets already in just 6 games and is the safest bet for Manchester United to stop Crystal Palace on the weekend.
Matteo Darmian
After making a dream-start to his Manchester United career, last few weeks have been a bit tricky for the Italian. He faced a nightmare against Arsenal nearly a month ago where he was subbed at half time. However, he is still the best full back that Manchester United have at the helm.
Chris Smalling
Though you might not agree with the statement of Wayne Rooney in which he dubbed Smalling as “1 of the 3 best defenders in the World”, the recent form of the Englishman perches him amongst the very best in England. He has been defending valiantly for the Red devils this Season and has kept players like Lukaku, Sterling and De Bryune quite.
Phil Jones
If there was a missing ingredient in the Manchester United defense at the start of this Season, Phil Jones has done really well to fill that vacant spot with his performances.
Marcos Rojo
A player whose career seemed to be on the fringes at the start of this Season, Marcos Rojo is now looking like as an in-separable part of the Red devils lineup. He has pounced on the chance which Van Gaal gave him after the injury of Luke Shaw and hasn’t looked back since.
Morgan Schneiderlin
Last week the Frenchman had to come against midfielders who had a long experience of competing at the top level. However, credits to his performance that kept the likes of Yaya Toure and Fernandinho in-check.
Bastian Schwiensteiger
Even though his performance level has dipped against stellar teams this Season, Schwiensteiger has performed very well against teams that are not ranked high in the League.
Juan Mata
If Manchester United are to down a high flying Crystal Palace side on Saturday, the crosses of Juan Mata would be vital for their victory. His performances in the last few games haven’t been above par and Mata will be looking to break a bad run of form against Crystal Palace.
Ander Herrera
Being the 2nd top-scorer for the Red devils in 2015 after Juan Mata, it is probably of no surprise to the Manchester United fans that Louis Van Gaal has ultimately accepted the importance of Herrera for the Red devils.
Memphis Depay
Looking at the current Manchester United team, there are quite a lot of players like Rojo and even De Gea who performed after getting a 2nd chance. Depay has done nothing criminal to suggest that he shouldn’t get the same treatment as the aforementioned duo.
Anthony Martial
A player who infuse confidence into the Manchester United crowd every time he steps onto the pitch, it is probably time that Van Gaal shifts Martial back into the center-forward role.
