Manchester United v Crystal Palace Betting: Red Devils to extend Hodgson's misery with big win

Manchester United can maintain their magnificent start to the season by beating Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

Jose Mourinho’s men have won all but one of their nine matches so far this season and United, who warmed up for this one with a thumping 4-1 victory against CSKA Moscow in the Champions League in midweek, are strong favourites to pick up another three points when they face Roy Hodgson’s men this weekend; indeed, United are available at just 17/100 (1.17) with Betsafe to get the better of the Eagles.

Palace are rooted to the foot of the Premier League table after six matches; the Eagles have yet to pick up a point and, in fact, the south Londoners are still searching for their first league goal of the campaign.

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Frank de Boer’s reign as Crystal Palace boss lasted just 77 days, with the Dutchman departing after four successive league defeats, but a change of manager has not yet brought about a change of fortune, as a disappointing home defeat against Southampton in Hodgson’s first match in charge was followed by a humiliating 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City.

In light of that result, Palace will not relish a return to Manchester to face Mourinho’s in-form men this weekend and the south London side can be backed at a chunky 20/1 (21.0) with Betsafe to claim a stunning victory, while the odds compilers offer 147/20 (8.35) that the Eagles secure a share of the spoils.

The omens are not good for Palace; United have yet to concede a league goal on home turf this season, while striker Christian Benteke – the Eagles’ main goal threat – is set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious injury against Pep Guardiola’s men last weekend and, as such, the former Liverpool striker will sit out of this match.

It is, therefore, no surprise that United can be backed at just 13/25 (1.52) with Betsafe to shut out the shot-shy visitors, while the same firm go 61/100 (1.61) that Mourinho’s men win without conceding for the seventh time in all competitions this season.

Better value, though, may be found in backing United to record a big win against a Crystal Palace team devoid of confidence, with the Red Devils looking to add to their already-impressive 17 league goals for the season.

Palace have conceded 13 Premier League goals so far this season and Betsafe’s 29/20 (2.45) quote for the home side (-2) in the handicap market may offer best value for punters ahead of what promises to be a somewhat one-sided match at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon; the selection would have landed in four of United's last five victories in all competitions.