Sitting in 10th place on the Premier League table with a record of 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats after 6 matches so far in the 2023/24 season, Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace may be relatively satisfied. Pleased with his start to the season.
Only six goals scored per the official Premier League website hints at where their troubles could lie, however, and to that end, links with a Brazilian goal machine are perfectly understandable.
Seven goals conceded is the joint fourth best in the English top-flight behind Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea and indicates that if Hodgson can find a striker that’s a guarantee of goals, the Eagles could
According to Alan Nixon, via a tweet from the CPFC Transfers HQ account, the Eagles are dominating defensive lineman Archie Gray.
The 2023/24 season has been a breakthrough season for the youngster, having played almost every minute of every game this season according to WhoScored.
While Palace have the advantage of playing the player in the Premier League, Leeds have finished fifth in the Championship this season and will be looking to return to the top flight in the early going.
Additionally, the Gray family have a rich history at Elland Road, with Archie’s father Andy, grandfather Frank and great-uncle Eddie Gray all featuring for the club. To that end, there is an emotional appeal that Palace cannot match.
This doesn’t mean transferring money can’t be done, but it can be difficult.
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Both matches are at Old Trafford and Manchester United have a number of selection decisions to make for the upcoming Carabao Cup clash.
It is important for Manchester United to maintain their form after their victory over Burnley this weekend.
However, it is also a good idea to rest Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, who have not been rested this season, even in international matches.
Manchester United’s expected lineup
There could be a debutant in goal with Turkish international Altay Bayindir replacing Andre Onana. Last season, Erik ten Hag used Martin Dubravka in the early rounds of the Carabao Cup.
The defense is a real problem due to injuries, however, Raphael Varane returned late against Burnley and is likely to start.
He could play alongside Harry Maguire, who returned to training on Monday.
Manchester United’s expected lineup
There could be a debutant in goal with Turkish international Altay Bayindir replacing Andre Onana. Last season, Erik ten Hag used Martin Dubravka in the early rounds of the Carabao Cup.
The defense is a real problem due to injuries, however, Raphael Varane returned late against Burnley and is likely to start.
He could play alongside Harry Maguire, who returned to training on Monday.
The worry comes from the left wing, where Sergio Reguilon may be absent due to injury. Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are both injured.
That could leave an emergency option like Victor Lindelof at left-back, with Diogo Dalot on the right. Or they can switch sides.
In midfield, we see Sofyan Amrabat making his debut for the club. He could partner fellow North African Hannibal Mejbri, who was impressive in the win over Burnley.
While United may rest Hannibal, the Tunisian will be desperate to start and strengthen his case for a starting place against Palace again this weekend.
We expect Christian Eriksen to complete the midfield trio, with Mason Mount coming off the bench to return in the second half.
Anthony Martial could start, while Rasmus Hojlund will be rested before the weekend.
On the wings, Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Pellistri need to start and this is a great opportunity for the young duo to show their ability. There are a lot of changes to Ten Hag, eight in total, and it seems a bit unusual for him. But it could also be a necessary step, to give his team’s players and returning stars a chance to show what they can do.
