Manchester United are soaring high thanks to a four-game winning streak at the Premier League, but The Red Devils want to extend their good run of fortune. Things will be a bit complicated, though, as they will take on a strong Tottenham side that ranks third in the Premier League standings while winning 15 of their last 18 matches. Mike Dean will be the referee for this game, and it will kick-off at 16:30 GMT.
Team News
Manchester United won’t have Eric Bailly (suspension) and Marcos Rojo (injury); in fact, the Argentinian defender travelled to his native country so he can enter a rehab program closer to his family. Paul Pogba (knock) and Chris Smalling (foot) both returned to training, but only the former will probably start on Sunday. Plus, Fred has a leave of absence so he could be with his wife in the birth of their child. Alexis Sanchez is out after suffering yet another injury during the side’s 2-0 win over Reading in the FA Cup this past weekend.
On the other hand, Tottenham won’t have Victor Wanyama (knee) and Eric Dier (apendicitis) despite the fact both players are recovering from their respective injuries. Jan Vertonghen and Mousa Dembele were listed as questionable due to thigh and ankle injuries, respectively. However, both players already returned to training so their inclusion might be a game-time decision. Speaking of that, winger Lucas Moura – who scored twice against Manchester United in the club’s most recent Premier League meeting – will be analysed closer to kick-off due to a knee injury sustained against Tramnere in the FA Cup.
Form guide
Manchester United are playing at a very high level right now. After all, they are currently riding a four-game winning streak at the Premier League. Plus, they also conquered a solid 2-0 win over Reading in the FA Cup. The Red Devils now have kept two consecutive clean sheets for only the second time during the current term. Can they extend that solid defensive form against Tottenham, one of the top attacking units in the Premier League this season? For what is worth, Solskjaer’s men sit in sixth place of the standings with 38 points. A win could match them with Arsenal, who sit fifth with 41 points.
Meanwhile, Tottenham have been one of the hottest teams in the Premier League season. Leaving aside their impressive 7-0 win over Tramnere – a lower-league side – during the FA Cup, we can see the Spurs have won four of their previous five league matches. They also sit in third place of the EPL standings with 48 points after 21 matches (W16, L5). Surprisingly, they are the only team in the Premier League that is yet to draw a game during the current term. If we add all competitions into the mix, we can see the Spurs have won 15 of their last 18 matches. Ergo, they should enter this game with their confidence quite high.
What is our recent record against Tottenham Hotspur?
If we look at Manchester United’s record against Tottenham, we can see the Spurs won the most recent league meeting (3-0 at Old Trafford earlier this season) but United won the previous match at Wembley, during last year’s FA Cup semifinal. Considering the most recent matches between both sides, the edge goes to the Spurs; they have won three of the last four league H2H meetings (W3, L1). But if we add all competitions into the mix, then The Red Devils get the edge (W5, D1, L4).
Prediction
Manchester United have not lost since the interim appointment of Solskjaer. But Tottenham will be the Norwegian’s first real test, and it will be on the road as well. All things considered, I believe this one will end in a draw.
Leave a Reply