Football Tips: Man Utd v Crystal Palace

With the hosts overwhelming favourites to win this tie at 1/4 (PaddyPower) it’s surprising to find some value quite easily. United are 21/20 (Bet365) to be the only goalscorers on the night, and against lower league opponents who haven’t found the net in five matches that looks like a steal.

Some punters will point to the fact that Alex Ferguson will ring the changes for this clash, but we shouldn’t be overly concerned by that. We can assume that most of the bench from the Newcastle game at the weekend will feature, and the quality that ensures is immense; Evans, Smalling, Park Ji-Sung, Valencia, Gibson are all raring to go for starters. United progressed past Leeds and Aldershot with a sprinkling of first teamers and international calibre reserves - they didn’t concede a goal on either occasion.

Palace will relish the trip to Old Trafford but the game looks like it’s coming a month too late for Dougie Freedman’s young charges. Back then their Championship form was excellent, but November is in danger of coming and going without a single goal troubling an opponent’s net. Leading striker Glenn Murray, if he plays, is hardly brimming with confidence after firing a penalty wide, late on in Saturday’s latest 0-0 home draw (the third in a row) against Millwall.

The Eagles may be someway short of full strength themselves. Freedman could stay loyal to the reserves who have earned this lucrative spot in the quarter-finals. The Scottish boss is also aware of the real importance of league matters, and another game follows in just 48 hours against Derby. That will be in his thoughts when team selection is finalised. All things considered it would be a real surprise if Palace got on the scoresheet, let alone win. At 21/20 (Bet365) another United clean sheet and victory looks like a strong bet.