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Manchester United kick off their 2020/21 Premier League season with a home clash against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
United's campaign started a week later than most top-flight clubs given their Europa League semi-final run last season, and Roy Hodgson's Eagles are up first at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils will be looking to build on a third-placed finish last term, but, Donny van de Beek aside, a slow transfer window coupled with a defeat to Palace would put huge pressure on the club so soon after last season's success.
As for Palace, Hodgson has been busy in the market adding youth to an experienced squad, and the south Londoners will be confident given they won 2-1 on their last visit to the Theatre of Dreams.
Date, time and venue
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace is scheduled for a 5:30pm BST kick-off on Saturday, September 19.
This match will be played behind closed doors at Old Trafford with no fans due to be present due to government guidelines regarding coronavirus.
In Pictures | Man Utd vs Crystal Palace | 24/08/19
How to watch
TV channel: The match will be televised on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting from 5pm.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers will be able to stream the match online via the website and SkyGo app.
Team news
Paul Pogba is the main doubt for United. The World Cup winner contracted coronavirus this summer and as such missed a number of United's preseason training sessions.
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Solskjaer is hopeful the midfielder will be ready, but Pogba could well be a bench option - and that could mean a full debut for summer signing Van de Beek.
The only other absences for United are Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones, meaning Teden Mengi may be among the substitutes.
In Pictures | Manchester United step up training for season opener
As for Palace, Hodgson remains without a number of centre-backs but has plenty of options going forward.
Both Eberechi Eze and Michy Batshuayi were handed starts in Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup, where the Eagles were knocked out on penalties.
Eze is yet to start a League game for Palace, while Batshayi spent his first league game back at the club watching the win over Southampton from the bench.
The Belgian could well be thrown in to lead the line at Manchester United on Saturday, though Hodgson may feel it is too soon for Eze given how much work he will have to do on the ball.
Given the injuries, Hodgson's back four picks itself while captain Luka Milivojevic could well return to start in midfield having come off the bench against the Saints.
Prediction: Man United 2-1 Crystal Palace
Given that Palace won here last season and also started the new campaign with a promising 1-0 win over Southampton, they will have no fears facing this United side.
The hosts will be under pressure to hit the ground running and though there may be a few cobwebs, you'd still expect United to get the win - but it could be tight.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
United typically dominate fixtures against Palace with 17 wins from 22 Premier League meetings, though Palace's solitary victory over the Red Devils came at Old Trafford last August with goals from Jordan Ayew and Patrick van Aanholt.
Betting odds and tips
- Man United to win: 1/3
- Palace to win: Between 9/1 and 10/1
- Draw: 5/1
- Man Utd to win 2-1: 17/2
Odds courtesy of Betfair Exchange. Click here to find out more.
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