We’re woken from the international break snooze by a early kick-off that threatens to divide Gameweek fortunes. United’s Old Trafford clash with Crystal Palace is expected to be one-sided, with David Moyes’ men waking from their own slumber to put two consecutive blanks behind them with the Premier League new boys bearing the brunt.
Robin van Persie is lined up to be the main damage dealer but, with Wayne Rooney unexpectedly named in the starting XI, there is a joker in the pack, perhaps destined to fuel an old Fantasy debate. Could Rooney’s return overshadow a haul from the Dutchman? Can Ian Holloway’s side frustrate and keep the pair at bay? We’ll have our answers within two hours, from a match that looks set to have a big say in how our Gameweek shapes up.
Rooney’s inclusion is not the only surprise in the United lineup. Fabio is the man drafted in to fill the void left by injuries to Phil Jones and brother, Rafael. A largely forgotten figure, he will start at right-back. Anderson is another player brought in from the cold by Moyes; the Brazilian starts in midfield with Marouane Fellaini made to wait for his debut – he’s on the United bench. With Antonio Valencia starting ahead of Ryan Giggs, there’s no place amongst the substitutes for either Nani nor Shinji Kagawa, despite both being tipped to figure by this morning’s press.
As for Palace, they make just one change. Adrian Mariappa arrives to earn a baptism of fire. He slots into the back four and, significantly, it’s budget asset, Joel Ward, who drops out.
Our Dugout Discussion Chatroom is now open to cater for your real-time needs during this match and will remain available right through to the late kick-off at Goodison.
