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There are currently two things I’d like to point out that I don’t want debated. The first is that Roy Hodgson is effective beyond the level that anyone outside of Crystal Palace want him to be. Absolute geezer.
The second thing is that Bruno Fernandes has been the best player in the Premier League this season by any distance.
Now I’m more excited than I should be to see those two collide on a south-east London evening that’s not close enough to the summer to be well-lit, but far enough from the winter for there to be a glimmer of life about the place.
Wednesday 8.15pm: Crystal Palace v Man United
Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League
You could argue that Man United’s desire is dwindling because finishing second isn’t a fantastic motivator, but they do permanently feel like they’re riding a wave of momentum even when they suffer a setback.
For all the criticism that Ole gets, and most of it is deserved, there is that positive that needs to be afforded to him.
And Palace? Boringly and predictably safe from relegation with 33 points from 26 games. Not that anyone expected any less.
Is this a handy three points for Man United en route to them delaying the title-winning party at Eastlands or is Roy Hodgson going to once again prove that he really doesn’t care what the formbook says or what you think? Here’s a bet builder.
Crystal Palace and Draw
It feels like United are in a decent bit of form, doesn’t it? Such is the low-hanging nature of the bar now.
They’ve only won two of their last seven games, so this isn’t a stretch to suggest they can come to a place that’s notoriously sticky and not win.
The crippling inevitability of second-place falling away is now front and centre in people’s minds and I suspect United’s players will also be feeling that pressure.
Over 2.5 Goals
Manchester United generally don’t draw blanks unless they go into a big game and try their absolute best not to concede, like they did against Chelsea at the weekend.
It’s tedious and maybe counter-intuitive, but they do tend to open up when they know they should be winning certain games and that leaves both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof in a pickle. Both look quite exposed when there isn’t excess cover for them to operate in.
Both Teams to Score
As above, I think this is the safest leg of the lot. The only away game United actively tried to win this year while keeping a clean sheet was the one-nil success at Turf Moor.
They’re a very different unit away from home – and I don’t fancy them keeping a clean sheet here with the excess of pace on the flanks to expose their full-backs.
Bruno Fernandes to Score Anytime
When in doubt, Bruno it out.
He’s been quiet for each of the last two games, and given my rule of thumb – he’s due a big performance here.
Palace’s awareness in central areas outside of their own box is maybe the worst in the entire league, and the Portuguese playmaker should have a few yards in which to operate.
Crystal Palace v Man Utd betting tips summary:
Crystal Palace or the Draw
Over 2.5 Goals
Both Teams to Score
Bruno Fernandes to Score Anytime
A Bet Builder including these four picks pays around 17/1 with Paddy Power
And if one leg of your 4+ fold Bet Builder lets you down, you get up to £/€10 back as a free bet. Customers can qualify for 1 Bet Builder Acca Insurance per day up to £/€10. The free bets will be credited by 12pm the following day.
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