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2023/24 English Premier League
Matchday 7
Manchester United v Crystal Palace
Old Trafford
Manchester, England
Saturday, 30 September 2023
Kick-off is at 16h00
Manchester United will be looking to build on only their third win of the
Premier League season when Crystal Palace visit Old Trafford on Saturday, September 30.
The Red Devils halted a two-match losing streak when they beat Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor on September 23 courtesy of a fabulous volley from Bruno Fernandes on the stroke of half-time.
Erik ten Hag's side moved up five places to ninth in the standings, although they remain nine points behind league leaders Manchester City and five adrift of the Champions League places.
United are level with Newcastle (8th) on eight points, but have a vastly inferior goal difference after the Magpies thrashed Sheffield United 8-0 at Bramall Lane on September 24.
Alamy Stock Photo
The Eagles find themselves just one point shy of the 2022-23 EFL Cup winners in 10th position after a 0-0 draw with Fulham extended their winless run to two matches.
It was only the second time that Palace had failed to get on the scoresheet this term, however, they've also conceded in four of their opening six games - the same as United.
Hannibal Mejbri was outstanding in his first start of the campaign, providing some much-needed energy in midfield against the Clarets, having scored his maiden goal for the club as a second-half substitute in the 3-1 defeat to Brighton the previous weekend. The Tunisia international received praise from Ten Hag for his pressing and willingness to track back, and he'll be hoping to have done enough to start against Roy Hodgson's side.
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Odsonne Edouard has hit the ground running this term, bagging four goals in six starts for the Eagles, including a brace in the 3-2 win over Wolves. The French striker struggled to make an impact in his first two seasons at Selhurst Park, but is flourishing so far in 2023-24 and seems to have struck up a good understanding with compatriot Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has provided assists for two of his goals.
Ten Hag hailed the fighting spirit on display against Burnley and is hopeful that the players will take confidence from the performance into the clash with Palace.
"The team spirit was big. The battle, the fight together. You saw a team defending with 11. Following the rules and being disciplined," the Dutchman told TNT Sports.
"It's about winning. The last week a lot was against us but you have to turn that and it's only up to us, and we knew that. The team acknowledged this and we have seen the answer on the pitch. Hopefully it gives us confidence."
Hodgson revealed that his options are limited for the trip to Old Trafford, but hopes that any fringe players he does select will seize the chance to impress.
"We don't have many players at the moment, that's the problem," he said. "In defence we have options, which is good, but when you move forwards into midfield and up-front... we don't have options that would give me a choice to give some players a rest and maybe see some other players.
"We'll do our best, we'll be as organised as we were today and hopefully some of the players who get a chance to play will show me: 'We're better than you think'."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Man United - 2
Palace - 1
Draws - 2
Premier League Matchday 7 fixtures:
Saturday, September 30
13h30: Aston Villa v Brighton & Hove Albion
16h00: Bournemouth v Arsenal
16h00: Everton v Luton Town
16h00: Manchester United v Crystal Palace
16h00: Newcastle United v Burnley
16h00: West Ham United v Sheffield United
16h00: Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City
18h30: Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool
Sunday, October 1
15h00: Nottingham Forest v Brentford
Monday, October 2
21h00: Fulham v Chelsea
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