Ones to Watch: Manchester United vs Crystal Palace (Premier League)

Manchester United will look to continue their good run in the Premier League as they welcome Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday.

After losing their last league game against Arsenal, Manchester United bounced back with three wins against Reading and Nottingham Forest. This weekend, they will host Crystal Palace who snatched a point at the death in the return fixture a few weeks ago.

After resting several key players in the second leg against Forest, Erik ten Hag is expected to go full strength for this game. Here are the players to watch from both teams.

Manchester United: Marcel Sabitzer

Following Christian Eriksen’s injury, Sabitzer’s arrival could not have come at a better time. Having missed the Forest game due to the visa process, the Austrian is now cleared to play against Palace.

Sabitzer featured in 22 games for Bayern Munich this season, operating mainly in central midfield. After Fred played the whole 90 against Forest, it makes so much sense for the new signing to start this game.

With 2.38 shots total per 90, Sabitzer ranks in the 99th percentile among midfielders in Europe. He will bring a vicious threat from outside the box for opposition teams. He also notches 4.29 progressive passes per 90, putting him in the 96th percentile.

In that regard, he is expected to replace Eriksen’s role in progressing the ball for the team. Finally, he puts up 3.06 tackles per 90, ranking in the 92nd percentile. Sabitzer breaking up opposition plays alongside Casemiro will certainly be a sight to see.

Crystal Palace: Michael Olise

Memories of Olise’s injury-time equalizer still live rent-free in the memories of United fans. It was a goal that denied United three points which would have taken them closer to the league leaders. As Palace visits the Theatre of Dreams, Olise will certainly be the one to watch.

As a player, the 21-year-old has it all. He scored 2 goals and provided 4 assists in 22 games for Palace this season. Versatility is also another key trait of his, having operated as a right winger, attacking midfielder, and central midfielder respectively.

Olise is a force to be reckoned with defensively. He racks up 2.04 tackles per 90, ranking in the 91st percentile, while also getting 1.65 blocks per 90, in the 98th percentile. With that in mind, United need to work hard to stop Olise on Saturday.