BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson has backed Manchester United to secure a convincing win over Crystal Palace when they face-off at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.
Jose Mourinho’s side have looked comfortable in the opening weeks of the campaign, barring the 2-2 draw against Stoke City at the Bet365 Stadium earlier this month.
Providing his weekly predictions on BBC Sport, Lawrenson highlighted the goal-scoring form of Romelu Lukaku, who has already amassed 10 goals for United this season.
Palace had placed their emphasis on defence during their recent 5-0 defeat to Manchester City, and Lawrenson does not see the tactic working out at United either – who he predicts will win by a 3-0 scoreline.
He told BBC Sport: “Manchester United are flying at the moment, especially striker Romelu Lukaku, who just keeps on scoring. Roy Hodgson will have had another week to work with his Palace players on denying the opposition space, but I don’t see them keeping United and Lukaku out.”
United have kept four clean sheets in five home games this term, and they will be fairly confident of a win against a Palace side, which are yet to register a point or goal in the Premier League.
Mourinho has recently spoken about the reduced turnover time following the Champions League trip to CSKA Moscow, but United have enough squad in depth to secure three points against Palace.
Manchester United could end the matchday at the top of the Premier League standings with cross-city rivals Manchester City facing a tough game at Chelsea to preserve their slender lead on goal difference.
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