Manchester United face off against Crystal Palace on Wednesday in a bid to continue their rampant run of form.
The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park off the back eight successive victories and have the opportunity to move up into third place with a ninth straight win. Erik ten Hag has been leading revival after a nightmare start to the season, with United triumphing over bitter rivals Manchester City last Saturday with an epic 2-1 comeback win.
Meanwhile, Patrick Vieira's Palace find themselves in a rut. The Eagles finished 12th in the Premier League last term and were expected to improve this time around. However, Vieira has struggled to take his side up a level and is hoping to end a run of three losses in a row and avoid defeat at home for the first time since October 29.
Rescheduled due to Queen Elizabeth II's passing in September, the contest is set to be an intriguing one, with the Red Devils mindful of their mouth-watering clash away to league leaders Arsenal this coming Sunday. United could also be without first-choice striker Anthony Martial after the Frenchman, 27, came off injured during the weekend win against City.
His potential absence means that new signing Wout Weghorst could make his debut from the start, although Ten Hag was hesitant to reveal his plans when speaking on Saturday. "I have to think that over," the Dutch tactician admitted. "First, settle down this game and make the right conclusions. Then we will make a clear plan. I have to see [for] Palace."
Ten Hag also knows that midfield duo Casemiro and Fred are at risk of missing the clash with Arsenal though suspension if either of them are booked. The Brazilians have both received four yellow cards in league play as the first half of this season draws to a close.
Have your say! Who'll win - Crystal Palace or Man Utd? Let us know your score prediction in the comments section.
Meanwhile, Palace will wait to hear news on centre-back Joachim Andersen, as the 26-year-old Dane was hauled off after just 38 minutes of their narrow 1-0 loss at Chelsea last Sunday. Vieira is certainly anticipating another tough test, backing United as title challengers.
"When you look at the last couple of games they have played, the number of wins they have and how close they are to the top, I think they will be [contenders for the title]," the Eagles boss declared. "It's a different United to last season but what will be important for us is to play like we did Sunday, with a lot of intensity and discipline.
"At home, in front of our fans, if we play like Sunday then we have more chance to win this game. We'll keep working, keep believing in ourselves. The chances are there. I want my players to be more ruthless inside the box and to take those chances."
When is the match?
Crystal Palace will welcome Manchester to Selhurst Park on Wednesday, January 18. Kick-off is at 8pm GMT.
How can I watch it?
For UK viewers, the match will be televised live by Sky Sports on their Main Event and Premier League channels. Coverage starts at 7:30pm.
Fans are also able to watch the game live online via the Sky Go app.
Match odds
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United odds from Betfred:
Crystal Palace - 7/2
Draw - 13/5
Manchester United - 4/5
*odds subject to change
