Spurs vs. Manchester United view from oppo

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United - Premier League
Wayne Rooney scores in the 2-2 draw against Spurs last season

The festive games keep on coming and if you’re fed up of listening to aunt Maple moan about the “loud music of today”, then lock her in a room*, lie back on the sofa and read our Spurs view from the oppo! Wayne Rooney is in superb scoring form having picked up a very impressive brace in the 3-1 victory over Newcastle United (not to mention that he is now captain of my dream team), whilst Juan Mata is really starting to show his true class following his move from Chelsea last January.

United and Spurs are 2nd and 3rd respectively in the Premier League form league and it will be a tight affair in North London today. United are likely to be without Angel Di Maria who picked up a pelvic injury on Christmas Eve, but the visitors welcome back Luke Shaw from an ankle injury.

*Obviously, don’t lock her in a room


We’re joined today by Joe “Shelf” Chilton who kindly answered a few questions ahead of the game today. What does he think of Roberto Soldaldo’s goal scoring? Did he put Gazza in his all time Spurs dream team?! And you’ll never guess which player Harry Kane reminds him of! You can follow Joe on Twitter @chipchop17.

Joe has also asked us to mention his Saturday football team – Wood Green Old Boys.

1) How would you sum up Tottenham’s season so far?
Mixed, through in Europe and through to a very winnable League Cup semi-final which is good. However our home form in the Premier League has been terrible. we’ve been unable to beat the poor teams at home has really cost us and our position in the league is reflected by this.

2) Is the gaffer the right man to take you forward?
Its too early to say. One thing that he will get is time, I think that the management at the clubhave finally realised how flawed this squad is and will give him time to sort it out.

3) Harry Kane has been a revelation this season – how good can he become and how many goals will he get?
He’s great, he reminds me of Suarez he works so hard and although he never looks in complete control manages to still dribble past people. I hope he can get another 10 in the league, if he does that he’ll have had a great season.

4) Eighteen months have gone by since Gareth Bale went to Real Madrid – how have the players brought into replace him measured up in that time?
Eriksen is the sort of player we should have signed to improve the team when we had Bale. Chadli is OK, but a squad player at best. The jury is still out on Lamela. The rest of them are awful.

5) What has happened to the free scoring Roberto Soldado of Valencia? Is he ever going to find some form?
I have no idea, he doesn’t look interested at playing for us. Baldini should get sacked on this signing alone.

6) What have you made of United so far this season and what player has stood out for you?
Very good going forward but I think that the back 3/4 are not up to the standard of a good United team. I think that I have been most impressed by the performances of De Gea, because your defence has been so inconsistent, he’s had a greater responsibility and he has really stepped up.

7) United are ten points behind Chelsea. Is there are chance of a title challenge? If not this year – what about next?
I think that the first five games cost you the opportunity to challenge this year, coupled with the fact that Chelsea are just very good. Sign one or two centre backs and next year I think you’ll challenge.

8) Which team/player has impressed you most this season?
Moved to a new position, playing with no fear. making chances for his team mates, 3.1 key passes per game (whoscored.com), recalled to the England squad? Yes, it’s Stewart Downing. I can’t believe it either. If there was an award for most improved player he would win it.

From a Spurs perspective Ryan Mason forced his way into the team after coming on as a substitute in a league cup game against Nottingham Forest he has started all but one game in the league since and has been a significant upgrade on the likes of Paulinho.

9) Where do you expect Spurs to finish and do you think you’ll get any silverware along the way?
Probably 5th again. I think that that the priority should be to win silverware, best chance will obviously be the League Cup. Another final against Chelsea would be great.

10) What is your all time Spurs Xi.
Lloris, Walker, King, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto, Ginola, Modric, Parker, Bale, Klinsmann, Berbatov

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