Date: 13th September 2013 at 1:09am
Written by:

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Following the international break, David Moyes has more to worry about then just Wayne Rooney’s head injury.

After an impressive start against Swansea, Moyes’ men  failed to win their next two games, and now host a Crystal Palace side buoyed by their victory against Sunderland.

– The Red Devils should be wary of defender Joel Ward. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index he’s had wingers in his back pocket all season, completing 84% of his tackles.

– Ward’s efforts have been aided by the contribution of his defensive partner Damien Delaney. He’s made more clearances than any of his teammates, booting the ball away 31 times. 888sport.com are offering 12/5 for the defensive duo to maintain their fine form, and help the Eagles keep a clean sheet this weekend.

– Maintaining possession will be paramount for the Eagles as they look to topple the Champions, and much of the responsibility for doing so will rest on the shoulders of Kagisho Dikgacoi. He’s made more passes than any other Palace player with 63, averaging a pass every 4.3 minutes.

– It is often said that it is a momentous step up from the Championship to the Premier League, but Mile Jedinak has taken to the top flight like a duck to water. He’s made 61 offensive contributions, (passes, crosses, dribbles and shots), according to the EA Sports Player Performance Index.

– Robin Van Persie topped the goalscoring charts during the last campaign, and it isn’t difficult to see why. Palace will have to be wary of the Dutchman as he’s taken 9 shots so far this season, level second in the league.

– Michael Carrick’s stock has risen over the past couple of seasons, with his ability to retain possession becoming increasingly evident. The EA SPORTS Player Performance demonstrates exactly why he is finally getting praised as he has made 100 passes in the opposition half during the course of the first three league games.

– Interestingly, Tom Cleverley is the only United player who is level with Carrick, as he too has completed 100 passes. It was suggested that Roy Hodgson overlooked the English youngster as he conceded possession too easily, but on the basis of these statistics Hodgson’s decision may have been unwarranted.

– With Iker Casilles finding himself on the bench for Real Madrid it has been suggested that Spain may have to look elsewhere for a new number 1. Look no further than David De Gea, The twenty-two year old has made 13 saves so far this season, the second most in the league. 888sport.com are offering odds of 3/4 for David de Gea to maintain his fine form, and keep Palace at bay again.

– The blame for David De Gea’s exposure to shots from the opposition can’t be blamed on Michael Carrick. The midfielder may be renowned for his passing exploits, but he has also made 14 interceptions according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index – more than anyone else in the league.

– Antonio Valencia may have given up the coveted number 7 shirt at Old Trafford this year, but the comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo shouldn’t completely disappear. He’s completed 5 dribbles so far this season, more than any of his teammates.

 

18 responses to “PREVIEW: Manchester United vs Crystal Palace”

  1. Abubakar shuaibu ungwan dosa says:

    MOYES why do u rely on old man giggs?. Anderson he deserved 2 play mothan cleverley. Kagawa and chichahero they hav 2 play mothan welbeck too. nani hav 2 play mothan young and valancia. Bt u r always bring ur bad players 2 start at man u. Alex fargi did so also bt we dnt like it 2. We need change. Aha

  2. Noora says:

    Moyes shud use Fellaini,carrick,kagawa,valencia,Nani and Rvp nd utd ll surely win by large margin

  3. John says:

    Moyes should use carrick, fellaini, kagawa, young, nani, chicharito and rvp, sure we’ll win d match. We can’t wait to see Fellaini in action.

  4. Whakheel says:

    In the absence of Rooney,i think,Carik&Fellaini should start&kagawa should stay behend Vp,y,valentia&Nani,shud flow t d wings.Welbek shud come frm bench to moltivate in 2nd half.

  5. Ekow da 5'9'' says:

    de gea, fabio, vidic, Evans,evra, nani,carrick, fellaini, welbeck, kagawa, van persie….. should start….against crystal palace

  6. junior says:

    Ddg raphael rio vidic evra
    Carrick fell
    Nani. Kagawa. Zaha
    Rvp
    Moyes play it like this n u will beat dem silly

  7. drexter says:

    12/09/2013 : “Maybe we needed that bit of presence and authority that can sit in the middle of the pitch and dominate a game from that perspective.” – Steve Round (Assistant Manager) on Fellaini

    01/09/2013 : “David Moyes has pledged that Shinji Kagawa and Wilfried Zaha will get their opportunity to impress in the coming weeks.”
    Both from ManUtd.com

    I think everyone needs to stop worrying too much, DM has already talked about allowing Kagawa to play before. I feel it is going to be Carrick and Fellaini in midfield which would let Kagawa, Rooney, RVP, Zaha to focus on going forward! We will remain champions!