Manchester United predicted XI vs Crystal Palace (Premier League): Sabitzer to start?

Saturday afternoon sees Manchester United welcome Crystal Palace to Old Trafford in the Premier League, weeks after the teams shared a point each at Selhurst Park

The second game of a busy February, team selection over the next month will truly test Erik ten Hag‘s management to its breaking point and cause him to pull his hair out (yes, metaphorically).

Despite the relentless schedule ahead, it would be a surprise to see Ten Hag implement heavy rotation as the Dutchman will want to secure a maximum return from the Premier League in order to further secure Manchester United‘s position in the Champions League qualification spots.

That being said, there is one potential change that United fans will be fawning over right up until the official starting XI announcement at 2:00pm GMT on Saturday.

David de Gea will more than likely return to his role between the sticks, having been rested for the club’s win over Nottingham Forest in midweek.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka will more than likely continue his run at right-back, with Diogo Dalot only returning to training on Thursday following injury.

Erik ten Hag’s preferred center-back pairing of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez will most likely start, with neither offering a reason for a potential withdrawal.

There is a decision to be made at left-back, with Luke Shaw coming into the side to replace Tyrell Malacia for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest. It is likely Shaw will start this match purely for the extra solidity he offers at the back which will be important for stemming an intensive attacking performance from Palace.

In the midfield, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro are likely the first and second names on the team sheet, but Christian Eriksen’s long injury lay-off after United’s FA Cup tie against Reading opens up a space in midfield. The obvious candidate would be Fred, with the Brazilian already proving his ability in Erik ten Hag’s system, making his transition back into the starting side an easy one.

However, this would be the perfect opportunity to blood Marcel Sabitzer in a United shirt, with back-to-back matches against rivals Leeds United on the horizon. Throwing Sabitzer into a debut contesting with Tyler Adams in the heart of midfield could be problematic for the Austrian, making Palace the perfect opportunity.

Erik ten Hag indeed alluded to a potential start for Sabitzer, saying: “I think he’s a really smart player. I think we gave him some guidance but I think he knows what to do, he knows the job, so he could (start).”

The front three could be a tricky one to predict given the options available to United.

Marcus Rashford will almost certainly start at left-wing, given the Englishman is the most in-form player in the league.

Wout Weghorst would be the tip to start again at striker, with the big man seemingly working effectively in Ten Hag’s system, as he draws defenders with him to create space for the winger to attack.

Despite appearances from both of the, in midweek, it would be expected that Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho to start on the bench on Saturday, with both looking slightly off full match fitness on Wednesday. This will result in Antony more than likely starting on the right flank.

Full predicted XI

De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Casemiro, Sabitzer, Fernandes, Antony, Weghsort, Rashford.