Manchester United vs Crystal Palace predictions: EFL Cup tips and odds

Belfast Telegraph

26 September 2023

Our betting expert has three Manchester United vs Crystal Palace tips for the EFL Cup third-round tie at Old Trafford on Tuesday (kick-off, 8pm). Scroll down to see the analysis behind his selections.

Manchester United vs Crystal Palace betting tips

Crystal Palace to qualify @ 12/5 with Paddy Power
Scott McTominay to have 1+ shot on target @ 9/5 with Paddy Power
Manchester United to commit 12 or more fouls @ 11/10 with Paddy Power

Odds correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

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Eagles can progress

United have had a mixed start to the season and have already lost to Spurs, Arsenal and Brighton in the league, while Crystal Palace are 10th and have lost just twice in six top-flight matches.

The holders also have Champions League football on the go and they’ll be prioritising progression in Europe over the EFL Cup.

Changes are set to be made by Erik ten Hag while Palace are still likely to involve the likes of star man Eberechi Eze in their starting XI.

We think that the south Londoners are good value to qualify, with that including a victory on penalties if the tie ended in a draw.

Manchester United vs Crystal Palace tip 1: Crystal Palace to qualify @ 12/5 with Paddy Power

McTominay a threat for Red Devils

One man who will be aiming to seize this opportunity is Scott McTominay, the Scotland midfielder who is seemingly now only a bit-part player under ten Hag having started just two league games this term.

One of those was against Burnley on Saturday, though, where McTominay did manage to register a shot on target in the 1-0 win at Turf Moor.

He’ll be expected to start in midweek and he could be played in a higher position, much as he is for Scotland when he plays under Steve Clarke.

McTominay has featured in five of Scotland’s European Championship qualification games and has 14 shots to his name in that period.

In that run, he has scored six goals and we expect him to have several efforts against a Palace side who could sit back and play on the counter.

Manchester United vs Crystal Palace tip 2: Scott McTominay to have 1+ shot on target @ 9/5 with Paddy Power

‘Dirty’ dozen on the cards?

Palace are a side who continually draw fouls through the likes of Eze and Jordan Ayew.

The Eagles have won 16, 14, 14, 11, 12 and 20 free-kicks in their six Premier League games so far and we’re expecting a similar number when Hodgson’s side face United.

Players such as Casemiro, Diego Dalot and Bruno Fernandes don’t shy away from getting stuck in and we’re expecting them to do the same and help that tally of fouls to rise.

Manchester United vs Crystal Palace tip 3: Manchester United to commit 12 or more fouls @ 11/10 with Paddy Power

Manchester United vs Crystal Palace odds

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Manchester United vs Crystal Palace team news

Manchester United

Altay Bayindir is set to start the match with Andre Onana rested, while a makeshift attack should include Anthony Martial.

Manchester United predicted line-up (4-3-3): Bayindir; Dalot, Lindelof, Evans, Reguilon; McTominay, Amrabat, Eriksen; Pellistri, Martial, Garnacho.