Man Utd v Crystal Palace - Our recommendation

When Papa Bouba Diop grabbed a sensational equaliser for Fulham last Monday night, it left Manchester United nine points adrift of leaders Chelsea at the top of the Barclays Premiership. After dropping two points at Craven Cottage, we can be sure Sir Alex Ferguson will have his players fully concentrated on making no mistakes at home to Crystal Palace on late Saturday afternoon. The match can be seen live on Pay per View at 5.15pm, and I fully expect United to win convincingly. As good as job as Iain Dowie has done with Palace, a game against an angry Man U with ground to make up in the title race is a very tough ask. This season at Old Trafford, Man Utd are yet to lose a game. Furthermore, the defence has conceded just three times in the league. Meanwhile, Palace have only one victory away and are barely managing to average a goal a game on their travels. A key player for the hosts is Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who only just missed out on the Fulham game with a calf injury. The manager is hoping to have the Dutchman back for Saturday. Whether he plays or not, there is sufficient quality to ensure Palace can be defeated by two clear goals. Given the scenario of going 1-0 ahead as will inevitably happen, United are unlikely to make the same mistake of not closing out the match. This is not normally a problem at home with three of their last four won by at least a two-goal margin. Bet365 offer even money on the home team winning by at least two clear goals.