BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton admitted that he went against his “first instinct” during his scoreline prediction for Manchester United’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.
Manchester United travel to Selhurst Park on Saturday for their Premier League match with Crystal Palace, with kick-off slated for 5:30pm UK time.
Erik ten Hag’s men have picked up momentum since football resumed after the international break, with United returning to winning ways in their last two matches.
United beat Southampton 3-0 at the St Mary’s last Saturday in the Premier League before thumping Barnsley 7-0 at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
The Red Devils had previously suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats ahead of the September international break.
United dropped points in a 2-1 defeat to Brighton at the Amex before Liverpool comfortably beat the Red Devils 3-0 at Old Trafford earlier this month.
Sutton on Palace ahead of Man Utd match
Manchester United have climbed to 10th place in the Premier League table and Erik ten Hag’s men will be hopeful of a better experience at Selhurst Park this weekend.
The Red Devils suffered a crushing 4-0 Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace last season at Selhurst Park.
Palace have had a tough start to the 2024-25 season, with Oliver Glasner’s men winning in the league and currently 16th in the Premier League table.
Speaking in his BBC Sport column, Sutton said: “Crystal Palace pumped Manchester United 4-0 in May, but since then they have sold Michael Olise, who scored twice in that game and makes goals as well as scores them.
“Eagles boss Oliver Glasner made a huge impact when he came in last season but, so far, this campaign has not been plain sailing for him.
“Glasner wants to play an attacking brand of football but I feel like that will suit Manchester United, and that Erik ten Hag’s side can hurt Palace the same way they hurt Southampton last week.”
Sutton on Palace vs Man Utd prediction
Sutton spotlighted the “lively” Marcus Rashford after the United star’s impact in his last two matches for the Red Devils.
Marcus Rashford ended his goalscoring drought in the 3-0 win over Southampton before the 26-year-old England forward scored a brace against Barnsley.
Sutton admitted that he felt Palace could nick a draw in his “first instinct,” but the BBC Sport pundit walked back on that idea and has now backed a 2-1 win for United.
“It was a big moment in the game when Andre Onana saved Cameron Archer’s penalty but, after that, United were pretty good, with Marcus Rashford looking lively,” he continued.
“My first instinct was that this would end in a draw but I am actually going to go with United to win it.
“I am still not sure about Ten Hag but I just have a sense they might be heading in the right direction, and Palace have not got going yet.”
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