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2023/24 English Premier League
Matchday 36
Crystal Palace v Manchester United
Selhurst Park
London, England
Monday, 6 May 2024
Kick-off is at 21h00
Manchester United are just about hanging onto sixth place in the
Premier League as they prepare to lock horns with a resurgent Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday, May 6.
The Red Devils have blown their chances of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League after winning just three of their last 10 matches and picking up six points out of a possible 15 in April.
A 1-1 draw with relegation-threatened Burnley at Old Trafford on April 27 extended their unbeaten run to four games, but left Erik ten Hag's side 13 points adrift of the top four.
Newcastle (7th) closed within one point of United courtesy of their massive 5-1 win over basement boys Sheffield United at St James' Park on April 27.
The Eagles looked destined to finish no higher than 14th after recording just three wins in the opening three months of 2024, but results have improved markedly since the start of April.
Oliver Glasner's side registered three consecutive wins against Liverpool, West Ham and the Magpies before playing out to a 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage on April 27.
Palace are now just three points behind the Cottagers (13th) and a further one shy of Brighton (12th) with three fixtures remaining in the season.
In team news, the hosts continue to be without Tyrell Malacia (knee), Lisandro Martinez (calf), Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof (both thigh), Anthony Martial (groin), Jonny Evans and Willy Kambwala, while Marcus Rashford (ankle) and Scott McTominay (knee) are rated doubtful. Sam Johnstone (elbow), Cheick Doucoure (calf), Jefferson Lerma, Rob Holding (both thigh), Eberechi Eze,Marc Guehi (both knee) and Matheus Franca (groin) remain sidelined for the visitors.
Ten Hag's decision to substitute Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund against the Clarets was roundly booed by the home fans, but the Dutchman insisted it was to the benefit of both players.
"Rasmus Hojlund had more injuries already in the course of this season. Kobbie also had some injuries. So I don't want them to get injured," Ten Hag said.
"I protected them as well. So there are more reasons to make the subs but I understand that the fans, they want to see the skills those players are bringing and contribute to the team. I understand that but I have to do my job and that is the right decision."
Glasner praised his players for a strong performance in West London as they battled back from behind to claim what he described as a "deserved point".
"At the end the result is okay, but I'm really pleased with the performance again," the Austrian said. "I think it's a totally deserved point we had today. I'm pleased and I really appreciate it.
"The feeling is we were the better team and then suddenly it's 0-1, you are down. It's our third game in six days and we'd cleared staying in the Premier League. Many teams can then be 'ok', don't give the effort that they need to come back.
"But the players had a lot of power then, they wanted to get this point, and then I think we got our reward with an amazing goal from Jeffrey Schlupp - again, a very good impact from all our substitutes today, getting new energy on the pitch - so we are happy that we have taken the point."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Palace wins - 2
Man United wins - 2
Draws - 1
Premier League Matchday 36 fixtures:
Friday, May 3
21h00: Luton Town v Everton
Saturday, May 4
13h30: Arsenal v Bournemouth
16h00: Brentford v Fulham
16h00: Burnley v Newcastle United
16h00: Sheffield United v Nottingham Forest
18h30: Manchester City v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Sunday, May 5
15h00: Brighton & Hove Albion v Aston Villa
15h00: Chelsea v West Ham United
17h30: Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur
Monday, May 6
21h00: Crystal Palace v Manchester United
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