The high flying Spurs welcome Manchester United to White Hart Lane, looking to avenge their opening day loss at Old Trafford and at the same time keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Leicester City.
Tottenham Hotspur are looking like the only team that can conceivably take the Premier League title away from Leicester City. However, they face a tough visit from Manchester United on Sunday, with the Red Devils desperate to finish in the top four and qualify for Champions League football next season.
Manchester United aren’t playing expansive, attacking football at the moment and are a mere shadow of their former selves. But they do have the players who can turn a match on its head and are full of confidence after a couple of narrow victories over Manchester City and Everton.
Lineups
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs will be happy with the return to fitness of defender Jan Vertonghen, who has been out for three months with a knee injury. However, he will most likely start on the bench. Erik Lamela, who missed the last game against Liverpool with an injury, will likely be in the starting XI.
Starting XI:- Lloris, Walker, Alderweireld, Wimmer, Rose, Dier, Dembele, Lamela, Alli, Eriksen, Kane
Manchester United
The Red Devils will be boosted by the return of their injured trio of veterans — Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia and Phil Jones. However, captain Wayne Rooney and left-back Luke Shaw are still out with long term injuries.
Starting XI:- De Gea, Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Rojo, Schneiderlin, Carrick, Lingard, Mata, Martial, Rashford
Stats:
- Tottenham have never won against Manchester United under Mauricio Pochettino.
- The Red Devils are unbeaten in their last 14 league games at White Hart Lane.
- Pochettino hasn’t won against United in six encounters, as manager of Southampton and Tottenham.
- Manchester United have won four of their last five Premier League games.
- Spurs have won four of their last five games at White Hart Lane.
- Tottenham have conceded the fewest goals in the league with 25, followed by Manchester United who have let in 27.
Prediction:
Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Manchester United
Spurs are currently a very difficult side to beat and Manchester United are playing football that’s far from beautiful. But the Red Devils are on a bit of a purple patch though and have the capability to nick a win. It will be a battle between two of the best defenses in the Premier League and as such will likely not be a high scoring encounter.
Odds:
Spurs – 10/11
Draw – 5/2
Manchester United – 3/1
(via: The Guardian)