Manchester United vs Crystal Palace: Sesko’s form informs the tips

Manchester United look to remain unbeaten under interim manager Michael Carrick as they welcome Crystal Palace to Old Trafford in the Premier League this Sunday, March 1 (14:00, Sky Sports Main Event). The former midfielder is taking charge of United for the 10th time across two temporary spells in charge. Carrick has recorded seven wins and two draws in the Red Devils dugout.

Read on for my Manchester United vs Crystal Palace predictions ahead of this Sunday’s clash.

Team News

United’s defensive woes could ease with Lisandro Martinez likely to return to contention following his calf problem. Netherlands centre-half Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined with a back injury which will likely see Harry Maguire and Lenny Yoro favoured again from the start, with Martinez a possibility from the bench.

Elsewhere, United are without wing-back-turned-winger Patrick Dorgu (hamstring) and Mason Mount (knock).

Palace are still missing striker Eddie Nketiah with a thigh problem that has kept him on the injured list since the new year dawned. Cheick Doucoure remains sidelined long-term following knee surgery.

Football Odds

Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Odds

The Red Devils are 8/15 at press time for a home win. The Eagles are priced at 5/1 while the draw is 10/3.

United talisman Bruno Fernandes can be backed at 5/1 to score the first goal while both teams to score is 4/5.

Benjamin Sesko to score anytime @ 23/20

Just call me Goalstradamus, because I have nailed a scorer bet in United’s last three games. I had Bryan Mbeumo to score against Tottenham Hotspur and backed Benjamin Sesko to score the last goal against West Ham and the first against Everton. Can I make it four-in-a-row?

Some might say that picking Sesko for the third time is cheating a bit, but in fairness against Everton my pick was based on him starting and he still did the business for me off the bench. Admittedly that was partly down to neither side taking a bitty game by the scruff of the neck until the big Slovenian finished an electric move involving Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo.

Despite Carrick and Sesko both telling reporters this week that the former RB Leipzig man is being honed to start, I am taking no chances this time. Sesko will undoubtedly play. Sesko will probably score. This week, the when doesn’t matter.

Manchester United to win to nil @ 7/4

The Red Devils have demonstrably become a better defensive side under Carrick. United have conceded five in six games since their ex-midfield maestro took the reins. They had allowed nine goals in Amorim’s final six games in charge.

Palace are not a free-scoring outfit and they also played on Thursday night. United’s most recent outing was the Everton win on Monday night. The three extra days of recuperation could tell in this one. I can see the 20-time league champions keeping it tight at the back, bolstered by the growing presence of one Senne Lammens.

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