Manchester United's early wide supply will meet Bournemouth's pressure on the first pass. Newcastle's rested wide players can also test a Palace side coming off a demanding trip. In both matches, the opening goal matters less than whether the scorer can close the next defensive spell.
Bournemouth's press has already produced quick chances through Evanilson and Tavernier, and United recently lost the ball deep against Como. United also struggled to finish and protect leads against Leeds and Tottenham. Evanilson played Bournemouth's last match and was reported fit; United's Sesko and several midfield or fullback options missed Como, while Rashford and Martinez remain uncertain. Bournemouth can still use Cook, Adams and Christie to keep pressure on United's first pass. That's why I'm siding with Bournemouth to avoid defeat.
Palace's direct ball to Mateta and low crosses can reach a Newcastle defence that recently mishandled first contacts and its own half. Mateta returned for 61 minutes and Disasi played the full Besiktas match, while Newcastle's Elanga missed Villa and may have limited minutes if he returns. Newcastle can attack first through Hall, Barnes and Wissa, but Palace have produced replies from both wide delivery and second-phase play. That's why I'm siding with Crystal Palace to stay level or better.
