Manchester United and Crystal Palace meet in a Premier League tie on Sunday, 1 March 2026 at 14:00 GMT. Find predictions, stats and betting tips for the Premier League fixture below in this expert match preview.
Fixture Details:
Home Team: Manchester United
Away Team: Crystal Palace
Competition: Premier League
Matchday: 28
Date: Sunday, 1 March 2026
Kick-off Time: 14:00 GMT
Venue: Old Trafford
Match Overview
Match Details
Information
Competition
Premier League
Matchday
28
Date
Sunday, 1 March 2026
Kick-off Time
14:00 GMT
Venue
Old Trafford
Broadcast
Sky Sports Premier League (UK), NOW TV, and selected international broadcasters
Key Predictions & Confidence Score
Market
Prediction
Confidence
Full-Time Result
Manchester United
★★★★☆
Correct Score
2-1 to Manchester United
★★★☆☆
Both Teams to Score
Yes
★★★☆☆
Over/Under 2.5 Goals
Over 2.5
★★★★☆
Top Betting Tips & Value Analysis
Tip 1. Value Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes
Odds: @ 8/11 with Bet365
Value Rating: ★★★★☆
Analysis: Manchester United have scored in 22 of their 27 league matches, averaging 1.78 goals per game. Crystal Palace, while inconsistent, have found the net in six of their last seven away games. Palace’s main issue is finishing, not chance creation, and United have conceded 37 goals already this campaign (1.37 per match). Recent head-to-heads have seen both sides score in four of the last six meetings. With United’s attack firing and their defence occasionally vulnerable, both teams scoring looks a strong value play, especially at odds longer than evens.
Tip 2. Player Prop Bet: Jean-Philippe Mateta to Score Anytime
Odds: @ 4/1 with Bet365
Value Rating: ★★★☆☆
Analysis: Mateta is Crystal Palace’s leading marksman with 8 league goals, roughly matching his xG of 7.14. He has found the net in three of his last five Premier League appearances and will be Palace’s focal point on the break. United have sometimes struggled against direct, physical centre-forwards and have conceded in each of their last four matches. At 4/1, there is notable value in Mateta to get on the scoresheet, especially given Palace’s tendency to create but not always convert – this could be the match where Mateta’s finishing makes the difference for the visitors.
For more football betting tips and to compare the best sports betting sites, visit our football betting sites page. Looking for new customer offers? Check out our latest sports betting bonuses.
In-Depth Match Analysis
Recent Form and Performance
Manchester United sit 4th in the Premier League with 48 points from 27 matches (13 wins, 9 draws, 5 losses). They’ve scored 48 goals and conceded 37, boasting a +11 goal difference and a win rate of 48%. United’s recent form has been steady, with a focus on controlling possession (averaging 53.20% per match) and a pass accuracy of 82.73%. They have outperformed their xG (51.59 expected vs. 48 actual), indicating a balanced attack but some room for improvement in finishing.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are 13th with 35 points (9 wins, 8 draws, 10 losses). They have managed only 29 goals from an xG of 44.7, highlighting significant underperformance in front of goal. Their shot accuracy is 38.14%, and their pass accuracy sits at 77.62%. Palace’s last six matches have been a mixed bag, with sporadic wins but a recurring theme of missed chances and defensive lapses.
Tactical Breakdown
Manchester United, under Michael Carrick, typically set up in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation, seeking to dominate possession and progress the ball through midfield. Their attack is spearheaded by Bryan Mbeumo, who leads the team for both goals (9) and assists (3), supported by dynamic forwards and creative midfielders. United build patiently but are capable of incisive transitions, often relying on full-backs to provide width and overloads.
Crystal Palace, managed by Oliver Glasner, are structured around a more reactive game plan. They favour a compact defensive shape and look to exploit spaces on the counter-attack, using the pace of Ismaila Sarr and the physical presence of Jean-Philippe Mateta up front. Palace’s main issue has been converting chances – their xG underperformance is among the league’s worst. Expect them to sit deep and target United on the break, particularly down the flanks.
Key Player Matchups
Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United) vs. Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace): United’s top scorer, Mbeumo, is in excellent form, boasting a 50% shot accuracy and 9 goals from 6.63 xG. Lacroix, Palace’s defensive leader, will need to marshal his backline to contain Mbeumo’s movement and powerful running.
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace) vs. Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United): Mateta is Palace’s primary goal threat, and his physicality could trouble United’s back line, especially with Martínez often tasked with marshalling powerful strikers. The outcome of this battle could decide whether Palace get on the scoresheet.
Head-to-Head Record & Statistical Analysis
Statistic
Manchester United
Crystal Palace
League Position
4th
13th
Goals Scored
48
29
Goals Conceded
37
32
xG (Expected Goals)
51.59
44.7
xGA (Expected Goals Against)
—
—
Date
Result
Competition
30 Nov 2025
Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester United
Premier League
2 Feb 2025
Manchester United 0-2 Crystal Palace
Premier League
21 Sep 2024
Crystal Palace 0-0 Manchester United
Premier League
6 May 2024
Crystal Palace 4-0 Manchester United
Premier League
30 Sep 2023
Manchester United 0-1 Crystal Palace
Premier League
Player Spotlight: Bryan Tetsadong Marceau Mbeumo
Bryan Mbeumo has been Manchester United’s standout performer this season. The versatile attacker leads the team with 9 goals and 3 assists, directly contributing to a goal every 2.4 games. His 50% shot accuracy means that half of his attempts test the opposition goalkeeper – a notably high rate for a high-volume shooter. Mbeumo also boasts a pass accuracy of 79.24%, underlining his value in both build-up and final-third play. Notably, he’s outperforming his expected goals (6.63 xG), demonstrating clinical finishing ability. His off-the-ball movement, capacity to exploit spaces behind defences, and link-up with midfielders make him central to United’s attacking threat against Palace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is the favourite to win the Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace match?
Manchester United are the clear favourites, with bookmakers pricing them at 4/7 (Bet365) to claim all three points at Old Trafford.
What are the best betting odds for this match?
For the full-time result, Manchester United are 4/7 with Bet365, the draw is 10/3, and Crystal Palace are 4/1. Both Teams to Score (Yes) is priced at 8/11, and Jean-Philippe Mateta to score anytime is 4/1, both with Bet365.
Where can I watch the Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace match?
The match will be broadcast on Sky Sports Premier League and streamed via NOW TV in the UK. Selected international broadcasters will also carry the game.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
Manchester United approach this fixture as favourites, with a superior squad, attacking output, and home advantage. Their ability to control possession, create chances, and finish efficiently – largely thanks to Bryan Mbeumo – sets them apart from a Palace side that has struggled to convert opportunities all season. Crystal Palace’s threat on the break, especially through Jean-Philippe Mateta, should not be underestimated, but United’s quality in key areas should see them prevail. Our top betting tips are Both Teams to Score (Yes) at 8/11 and Mateta Anytime Scorer at 4/1, both offering value for punters seeking longer odds. For more on Premier League betting, visit our Premier League winner odds page.
Disclaimer & Responsible Gambling
All betting odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly. For more information and support, visit BeGambleAware.org. You must be 18 or over to gamble.