Manchester United missed the chance to claim pole position in the race for top 4 on Monday and they will hope to get back to winning ways when they head to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace in a must-win Premier League game.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer picked the same starting 11 for 5 games in a row and visibly paid a huge price for not rotating, as his side looked tired after an hour of constant high press football from Southampton. With Foxes just 3 points behind The Reds, the race for top 4 is going to go right to the wire, which makes every game a final.

Manchester United face Chelsea on Sunday with again a must win FA cup semi-final, which gives his team just a 24 hour recovery time, compared to 48 hours to the blues. Ole have to rotate, there is just no other option.

Apart from Fred and McTominay all the other substitutes just don't have that quality left. Jesse and Andreas have been hugely disappointing, Dan James just looks low on confidence, the replacements for the likes of Pogba or Bruno just aren't there in this current Manchester United squad. Juan could be a good replacement for Greenwood, with his creativity he can at-least help the likes of Marcus and Martial.

Predicted Lineup - 1

Ole will definitely rotate the squad given two very important games in a gap of just 2 days. The lineup could look something like this :

David again would retain his place in between the sticks. Ole won't meddle with the CB's as such. Maguire and Lindelof should start given a good chemistry getting built up among them. Wan Bissaka will keep his place at RB, the LB choice is not sure as of yet. Ole said in his press conference, that Luke had a twisted ankle and Brandon had a cut on his forehead following a head on clash against Southampton. Dalot could be the obvious choice if both are rested.

Scott and Fred could very well feature today, Ole might give a much needed rest to Pogba after 5 consecutive starts. Matic could well be rested given the 90 minute shift he did put in the last game, looked very fatigued as the match finished.

Dan James / Juan Mata might replace Greenwood on the right wing following a minor injury to Greenwood during the game against Southampton. Nothing serious, he could well start but should be kept fresh for the Chelsea game. Mata should be the first choice, given the form Dan james is in, but if Ole decides on speed, direct running then James is the only choice.

Bruno cannot be dropped, they need at-least one creative mid fielder among Pogba or Bruno to feature every game. Marcus and Martial too wouldn't be rested.

A perfect ideal scenario for Ole would be a good 3-0 lead till the hour mark and rotate the squad, bring the subs in and keep all the players fresh for Chelsea.

Predicted Lineup - 2

A much similar lineup to the previous one. Looking at the seriousness of this match, Pogba and Bruno both could start try and wrap the game up till half time or in about an hour and then rotate.

If Pogba and Bruno both start, McTominay should play the role of Matic, by sitting deep and playing as a third CB.

Given just 18 years of age and fast recovery, the fans won't be surprised if Greenwood too makes it to the starting 11. Matic should be rested just to ensure he's fresh for upcoming two games. The changes at the front won't be made due to lack of quality and the current form of Martial and Rashford.

If Ole starts with the same 11, it would be much of a surprise and won't be a wise move by the Norwegian.

Current form :

Crystal Palace : WLLLL

Manchester United : WWWWD

For Crystal palace things are not going well too, with Cahill injured and Benteke suspended for 3 games after a red card against Villa. Their defense leaks a lot of goals, and their run has been shaky at the best. Jeffery Schulpp returns to training and will be on bench against the Reds.

What to Expect

Given the latest form, Manchester United should comfortably win against Palace. The Reds lost 2-1 at home, and would look to keep it behind and go for kill. Given the importance of this match there is just no place for any complacency, they've to win it to be in the hunt for top 4. Crystal Palace have nothing to lose and will start this match with same confidence.

It could well be a goal fest.

Prediction

3-1 to Manchester United.

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