9th Sep 2013 | Football
Manchester United v Crystal Palace Tip
Palace have so far defended stoutly while United haven't scored in either of their last two outings.
Here’s one statistic that you would have got long odds on predicting after three rounds of Premier League matches; Crystal Palace have had more shots on goal so far this season (37) than reigning champions Manchester United (36).
The Eagles head to Old Trafford on Saturday with their chests puffed out after beating Sunderland 3-1 in their last game. This followed a narrow 1-0 defeat to Spurs and a 2-1 loss at Stoke in a match that really could have gone either way. In other words, at no point as of yet have Ian Holloway’s boys been anything but at the races.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have yet to reach top gear themselves having drawn 0-0 at home to Chelsea before succumbing to Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield. A lack of goals, and an over-reliance on Robin Van Persie, must already be a concern for David Moyes.
It’s with this in mind that I’m backing United to win by just one goal here at best odds of 10/3 with Ladbrokes.
Even in 2012-13 Sir Alex Ferguson saw his side win by just a one-goal margin at Old Trafford against Reading, Swansea, Southampton, West Ham and Fulham. Not exactly the cream of the crop. If Palace can avoid an early setback then a similar story could unfold on Saturday.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 20:38 9th Sep, 2013 but subject to change
