5 months since I last gambled. Actually that’s a lie. I broke the spell when I had a flutter on the Grand National last month. When my horse was beaten to 6th by a nose and I missed out on each way money, I probably should have emptied my betting accounts.

I’m actually a decent punter and had to prove to the missus by showing her my activity, that this wasn’t the start of a downward spiral. £450 in profit the past 12 months with the bookmaker in question. Granted not all will have been that fruitful, but I’ve certainly not lost money.

With some pennies floating around in a few of my accounts from settled season long bets I’ve decided to have a bit of fun, rather than withdraw the funds. From time to time I might share my musings on the blog, but I’m not going to make any commitments as my main focus lies elsewhere having run Betting Kingdom for 21 years now.

“GET ON WITH IT”. Sorry. My bet comes from tonight’s Premier League clash between Crystal Palace and Manchester United. I’ve not been following the action as closely as I used to but the recent results of the South Londoners has been hard to ignore.

Since Oliver Glasner's appointment at #CPFC, only two players have scored more Premier League goals than Jean-Philippe Mateta. ⚽️

So what's changed for the Frenchman? 🤔

Watch the full #CRYMUN preview on Edge of the Box, presented by @UltimateFanUK 👇

— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) May 6, 2024

Despite their recent upturn in form I was still surprised to see the home win priced at 13/10. Not for me. Not against United. Even if they are shit right now.

Instead at a slightly higher price I’ve opted to back Mateta to get himself on the scoresheet. Since Oliver Glasner arrived at Selhurst Park, Mateta has been on fire.

His form at home, in particular, has been sensational. He’s scored 7 goals in Palace’s last 5 home games. He found the target in each of those matches including home ties with Newcastle and United rivals, City.

In fact Mateta has bagged a brace in each of his last two at Selhurst Park against the Toon Army and the Hammers.

With United having struggled defensively on their travels this marks an excellent opportunity to continue his hot streak. In their last 9 Premier League away games the Red Devils have shipped 19 goals, failing to keep a single clean sheet.

Palace themselves have found the net 19 times in their last 8 at home and with Eze and Olise both in top form too, you have to think the home side are going to create plenty of chances.

I’ve started off cautiously as I don’t wish to lose all my money in the space of a week so it’s 0.5pts at 6/4 (2.5). The early price has been cut, with it proving a popular bet, but I still fancy my chances and there could be a sniff of value to be had. If there wasn’t, I wouldn’t be backing him.

TIP: Mateta to score anytime against Manchester United – 0.5pts – 2.5

FEATURED IMAGE “Pete the Eagle – The club’s mascot (2016).by> Ajay Suresh is licensed under CC BY 2.0