Manchester United v Crystal Palace: 3 players to look out for during the game

Modified Aug 24, 2019 05:42 GMT

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester United - Premier League

After their disappointing draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Manchester United will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they face Crystal Palace on Saturday. The Red Devils produced an improved performance from their last visit to Molineux Stadium. However, they couldn't come away with all three points.

Despite the result, they will be eager to take on the Eagles at Old Trafford today. Crystal Palace lost to newly-promoted Sheffield United last weekend and are still looking for their first win of the season.

Crystal Palace have never beaten the Red Devils in the Premier League and will be happy even with a draw against Manchester United.

It is expected to be an intriguing fixture between two sides with different playing styles and here are three players who can influence the game.

#3 Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba missed a decisive penalty against Wolverhampton Wanderers and was subjected to some unfair criticism. However, he is expected to bounce back against Crystal Palace and have a key role to play on Saturday.

The Eagles are expected to sit back and defend for the majority of the game as they try to make it difficult for the Red Devils. This is where Pogba's creativity and ability to drive the ball forward will come into play.

He will be tasked to move further up the pitch and create opportunities for the strikers. At the same time, Pogba also has the ability to dictate the play from a deeper position and dominate the midfield.

Although the Red Devils have a highly-functional midfield, they do not seem to have a single personnel who possesses the creativity to break defences down apart from the Frenchman. If the Frenchman is able to perform to the best of his abilities, there is every chance for them to come out of the game with all three points.

#2 Wilfried Zaha

Sheffield United v Crystal Palace - Premier League

Wilfried Zaha continues to be a Crystal Palace player despite speculation regarding his future during the summer transfer window. The former Manchester United forward is undoubtedly Crystal Palace's best player and will be a key player for the Eagles if they hope to get anything from the game.

The Ivorian possesses unmatched pace and skills on the ball that will give his opponents a hard time on the pitch. He has the ability to draw fouls in the opposing half and provide his team with dangerous set-piece opportunities.

Moreover, he can also hold-up play for his team to join the attack. United's defenders need to wary of the Ivorian and be on their toes throughout the game.

#1 Anthony Martial

Anthony Martial is enjoying his time playing as the main man upfront in the last two games. The 23-year-old has scored in his previous two games and will be hoping to continue that streak against Crystal Palace.

Martial looks like a totally different player this season and his work-rate off the ball has hugely improved. Besides that, he is also making intelligent runs into the box and seems to be full of confidence in front of the goal.

Crystal Palace will likely set themselves up in a defensive formation in order to minimise the space given to United's forwards. As such, the Frenchman will have the task of finding space between defenders and take his opportunities as they come. Considering his form, the Frenchman is expected to be a key man for Manchester United.

Edited by Jong Ching Yee