Paul Merson states his prediction for Crystal Palace v Man United
The Arsenal legend is backing Manchester United to beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday night
Paul Merson is backing Manchester United to record successive Premier League victories at Crystal Palace on Monday night.
The Red Devils will make the trip to the English capital looking to protect their position in the Premier League table.
Liverpool FC temporarily hoisted themselves above Manchester United and into second place last weekend following a 4-1 win over West Ham on Saturday.
However, Manchester United moved ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s men less than 24 hours later after goals from Romelu Lukaku and Jesse Lingard sealed a 2-1 win over defending Premier League champions Chelsea FC at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils will be taking on a Palace side that have lost their last three Premier League games and are level on points with 18th-placed Swansea City in the battle to avoid relegation.
However, Roy Hodgson can take some hope from Manchester United’s back-to-back defeats on the road following losses at fellow relegation candidates Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.
But former Arsenal midfielder Merson is confident that Manchester United will avoid an upset at Selhurst Park and cement their position in the table ahead of the visit of Liverpool FC on 10 March.
“If the game goes as I expect at the Eithad Stadium then Manchester United won’t really be under too much pressure,” Merson told Sky Sports.
“However, if they can win at Selhurst Park and Chelsea lose then I think they can pretty much guarantee a top four finish. They’ll be nine points clear of Chelsea and for me, that’s that with nine games to play.
“I expect United to be extremely efficient and can see them edging a tight game to cement a top four finish.”
Manchester United finished in sixth place in the Premier League last term but won the Europa League and the League Cup.
