Manchester United vs Tottenham preview
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspurs will lock horns in what is going to be the battle between the 6th and 7th placed teams of the Premier League. Both teams have underperformed this season, as suggested by their lowly league positions, yet they find themselves only 3 points adrift off fourth place and the coveted UEFA Champions League place that comes with it.
Manchester United have won their last six games in all competitions including their last four league games after two consecutive defeats. United have looked short of ideas at times, and it was no different against Norwich in their last game. The introduction of eventual match winner Danny Welbeck gave some sense of direction to the play with lone striker Javier Hernandez seeming short of ideas. Skipper Nemanja Vidic’s return should lend some solidity to the back-line against Spurs.
On the other hand, the Spurs team coming to Old Trafford seem to be far removed from the insipid toothless side that resulted in manager Andre Villas-Boas getting the sack midway into the season. They showed cutting edge in the final third to go with a dominating display in midfield and defense. They will surely be hoping for an encore when they take on United in their own den.
Team News & Injury Updates
Manchester United : Rio Ferdinand looks unlikely to get a start against Spurs, what would be the first since the Champions League match against Shakhtar. Johnny Evans is expected to partner the returning Vidic in central defense while Smalling will be playing at full back to cover for the crocked Rafael, along with Patrice Evra. Michael Carrick and Tome Cleverley are expected to be the starters in midfield with Antonio Valencia and Shinji Kagawa taking up the wider roles. Wayne Rooney will undergo late fitness test that will determine his participation. If fully fit Rooney will be partnering the lively Danny Welbeck in attack following his goal scoring exploits last weekend. Rafael (groin), Phil Jones (knee), Nani (hamstring) and Robin van Persie(groin) are all out for the game.
Tottenham: Kyle Walker is expected to return to right back following his suspension while Danny Rose will start at left back along with the duo of Michael Dawson and Vlad Chiriches. Jan Vertonghen and Younnes Kaboul are both out injured. In midfield, Spurs will likely field the duo of Moussa Dembele and Paulinho to try and exploit the lack of physicality in the middle of the park for United. Aaron Lennon will look to expose Evra’s lack of pace on the right wing while Christian Eriksen is likely to play a more withdrawn and creative role down Tottenhams’ left. Emanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado seem to be forging a successful partnership and it is likely to continue.
Player to watch out for
Paulinho: The Brazilian has been one of the most crucial players for the Spurs this season following his move to London this summer. His ability to read and break up play as well as make late runs into the box will be very important as Spurs will look to break down an organized United defense. He also possesses an aerial threat and will be a handful from set-pieces. He will look to shackle Rooney and how well he does his job will be crucial for Spurs in an attempt to keep United at bay.
Prediction
These sides haven’t failed to deliver on expectations when they have met in recent season, and this is likely to be another great encounter. Spurs have been playing some really good attacking football of late and they will look to take the game to United but still the home side are favorites to secure all three points here.
Manchester United 3-2 Tottenham