3 ways Manchester United can lineup against Crystal Palace | Premier League 2018-19

#3 - 4-4-2 (Diamond)

4-4-2 (diamond) has been used often in very big matches by Solskjaer

The 4-1-2-1-2 or the 4-4-2 diamond has been one of the key formations that have been used by Ole Gunnar Solksjaer this season. The Norwegian has used this formation to very good effect and defeated Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea with the help of it.

Once again it will be the ever-present Spain No.1 David de Gea, who will be starting in the goal, behind the center back partnership of Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof. Their performance against Liverpool in the weekend is sure to see them keeping their places for the near future.

Luke Shaw and Ashley Young are sure starters on the left and right flanks of the defensive lineup after showcasing an impressive performance that kept the feared attacking trio of Liverpool very quiet.

The absence of Nemanja Matic is likely to result in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in using Scott McTominay in place of the injured Serbian to occupy the base of the diamond in the heart of the midfield.

The top end of the diamond will be a slight problem for Solskjaer due to the absence of Jesse Lingard in that position. Angel Gomes looks a likely candidate to fill the role of Lingard, owing to his movement, positioning and fearless approach.

The left side of the diamond is likely to be filled by Paul Pogba as Solskjaer uses the Frenchman to very good effect in that specific position whenever United plays a 4-4-2 diamond.

With Marcus Rashford out, Solskjaer is sure to use the big Belgian Romelu Lukaku and Chile international Alexis Sanchez to lead the attack today.