Manchester United visit Crystal Palace tonight as they look to close the gap on their competitors for European qualification.
After a stuttering start to the season, Jose Mourinho’s side find themselves 13 points adrift leaders Chelsea and six points behind rivals Manchester City. They cannot afford to let that deficit grow if they want to get back into the Champions League.
United will be without Henrikh Mkhitaryan for tonight’s game as he recovers from an ankle injury he sustained during his side’s clash with Tottenham at the weekend. Mkhitaryan has finally forced his way into Mourinho’s thinking, but this injury has derailed his period of good form. Antonio Valencia also misses out through suspension after accumulating five yellow cards this season.
Crystal Palace are looking to break clear of the relegation zone, but face a stern test this evening and have several notable absentees. Jason Puncheon will be watching from the sidelines tonight as he serves as one-game suspension, with James Tomkins and midfielder Bakary Sako both sidelined with respective muscle injuries.
Here are how both sides line up tonight:
Here’s the #CPFC team to take on @ManUtd this evening. #CRYMUN pic.twitter.com/lOvkZ3hjHD
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) December 14, 2016
The news you’ve been waiting for – tonight’s #MUFC team for #CRYMUN… pic.twitter.com/d1O0Fpfbs5
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 14, 2016