Mark O’Haire’s Premier League Tips – Man United v Crystal Palace

Only four Premier League sides have fired in fewer shots-on-target than Manchester United this season and Louis van Gaal’s troops landed just four as they ground out a poor 1-0 win over rock-bottom Aston Villa at the weekend.

Dour Days At Old Trafford
Picking out the positives, the Red Devils made it five three-pointers from their past seven excursions and five victories on the spin at Old Trafford. And United remain in the hunt for a top-four finish, just four points behind Arsenal.

But the Dutch boss has come under fair criticism for Man Utd’s dour performances with a lack of incision, pace and creativity when in possession all being blamed for numerous boring showings in front of their home supporters.

The hosts hold the league’s second best defensive record this season but 10 teams have scored more Premier League goals than United this term as van Gaal’s charges have failed to find the net on nine occasions in top-flight football during 2015/16.

Pointless Palace
Crystal Palace travel north on Wednesday night fresh from upsetting the odds to snatch a point at Arsenal at the weekend. Alan Pardew’s men will still feel they need one more win to assure their Premier League status but having collected a solitary success in 17, and without a win against United in 25 years, it looks unlikely to come at Old Trafford.

Consistency
With United grinding – six of their past seven triumphs have come ‘to nil’, including five 1-0 wins – and proving to be consistent operators under van Gaal when welcoming bottom-half dwellers –

15 wins from 19 against the bottom-10 at Old Trafford – backing another narrow success looks the wisest option.

Under 2.5 Goals has paid out in 10 of United’s 16 Old Trafford encounters in the league this season so ignore the unreasonable skinny 4/9 quotes on the straight win and add Under 2.5 Goals into the mix for a juicy 21/10 shot to cheer on – we’ll be paid out if the home side win 1-0 or 2-0.

Recommended Bets:
Manchester United to win and Under 2.5 Goals (21/10)

*Prices correct at time of publication