Manchester United vs Crystal Palace: Predicted Lineup and Team News
Manchester United will be without key defender Lisandro Martinez when they host Crystal Palace in today's Premier League clash. The Argentina international, who has formed a formidable partnership with Harry Maguire under manager Michael Carrick, misses out due to a minor calf injury sustained before the recent victory over Everton.
Defensive Absences and Replacements
Martinez had played every minute of Carrick's first five games in charge before this setback. While the club hopes his absence won't be long-term, he will play no part against Palace and faces further assessment ahead of Wednesday's trip to Newcastle United.
Young French defender Leny Yoro deputized effectively against Everton and is expected to retain his starting position. United's injury concerns extend beyond Martinez, with Mason Mount and Matthijs de Ligt remaining unavailable. De Ligt hasn't featured since November due to a back issue that interrupted his previously perfect attendance record this season.
Attacking Decisions for Carrick
Patrick Dorgu also remains sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained against Arsenal, with his return not expected until April. This leaves Carrick with significant decisions to make in attack, particularly regarding Benjamin Sesko's role.
The striker has scored six goals in his last seven appearances, all coming as a substitute. Despite his impactful performances against Fulham, West Ham, and Everton, Carrick has consistently used him as a 'finisher' rather than starter. However, United's attack has struggled in recent matches until Sesko's introduction, lacking the penetration usually provided by the injured Dorgu.
Predicted Manchester United Lineup
Carrick faces a tactical dilemma: continue with Sesko as an impact substitute or start him to provide immediate attacking threat against Palace. Amad Diallo's contributions have diminished recently, possibly due to fatigue following his Africa Cup of Nations participation, making him a potential candidate to make way for Sesko in the starting eleven.
The manager otherwise has the same squad available that secured the narrow victory at Everton. United will need to find ways to break down a Crystal Palace side that has proven difficult to beat in recent encounters between these teams.
Match Information
The Premier League encounter kicks off at 2pm today (Sunday, March 1). The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.
