Crystal Palace vs Manchester United. Premier League.
Selhurst ParkAttendance25,547.
Wednesday 14 December 2016 18:47, UK
Manchester United will be without in-form Henrikh Mkhitaryan for their trip to Crystal Palace on Wednesday (kick-off 8pm).
The summer signing scored his first Premier League goal against Tottenham on Sunday, but was later taken off on a stretcher following a tackle by Danny Rose.
Jose Mourinho said the injury is "not serious" and that Mkhitaryan might be back for the Boxing Day match against Sunderland.
United have won three of their last four games in all competitions and are unbeaten in their last eight. They have also never lost to Palace in their 14 previous Premier League meetings.
The Eagles snapped their losing run with a 3-0 win over Southampton, before drawing 3-3 with Hull at the weekend.
Wilfried Zaha continued his fine form with a goal against Hull, and Palace manager Alan Pardew has urged England to act and stop the winger from switching his international allegiance to the Ivory Coast.
"England are missing a trick here because this boy is only 23," he said. "He has had my advice but that will stay private between me and him. But I am an Englishman - I think it's pretty obvious."
James Tomkins and Bakary Sako will be assessed for Palace after missing the draw against Hull with minor knocks.
Jason Puncheon misses out through suspension and Steve Mandanda, Connor Wickham and Loic Remy all remain sidelined.
With Mkhitaryan out, Wayne Rooney might return to the starting line-up for Manchester United. Antonio Valencia is suspended.
Palace were winless in their three games against United last season, drawing at Selhurst Park but losing away at Old Trafford and at Wembley in the FA Cup final after extra-time.
Palace have lost 11 times to United in the Premier League, more than any other side they have faced.
The Eagles have failed to score in 11 of their 14 Premier League games against United. Puncheon is the only current Palace player to score for the club against the Red Devils.
Christian Benteke has scored five goals in his last five Premier League appearances for Palace.
Since the start of 2015-16, United haven't won any of their six Premier League away games in London (D2 L4), including a current run of three successive defeats.
Former United winger Zaha has had a hand in seven goals in his last seven Premier League appearances (two goals, five assists).
Rooney has now scored 248 goals for Manchester United in all competitions - just one behind Bobby Charlton's all-time record of 249 goals.
I have been impressed with United. They have really turned the corner, they haven't had much luck but they got a good result against Spurs and they look decent.
Mkhitaryan will be missed, that is a major blow, because they are a lot better when he is in the team, they move the ball quicker and have more of a threat.
Palace, though, are letting in goals for fun. To give them their due, it's open and attacking football, and they were unlucky the other day with that Robert Snodgrass penalty which was bordering on ridiculous.
Zaha has looked outstanding recently, I can't remember the last time he had a bad game, but they are playing his way.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2 (Sky Bet odds 15/2)
Betting
Sky Bet make United odds-on at 7/10 for the victory, with Palace 17/4 outsiders, while the draw is priced at 29/10. Mourinho's men remain 33/1 outsiders for the Premier League title despite their victory over Tottenham, although they have shortened to 13/8 to secure a top-four finish.
Ibrahimovic heads the first goalscorer betting at 7/2, with Benteke considered the hosts' main threat at 13/2 to net first. Find out what the Soccer Saturday pundits and Jamie Redknapp are tipping in their Sky Bet tips here.
