Manchester United vs Tottenham: Preview, Possible Lineups, Stats and Predictions
Following Monday’s FA Cup exit against Arsenal, Manchester United play hosts to Tottenham Hotspur in what could be a vital match for the top credentials of either sides. Louis Van Gaal will be determined to bounce straight away while Spurs will look to dent the Red Devils hopes of securing a Champions League berth.
A win for the London side will see Mauricio Pochettino’s men move equal on points with the Old Trafford side and the outcome is sure to put Van Gaal under immense pressure having spent millions in the transfer market in the summer.
Team News:
Robin Van Persie is still unfit for the game while Angle Di Maria is suspended having tucked referee Michael Oliver’s shirt on Monday. Jonny Evans sits out in the second of his six game ban as Luke Shaw is also doubtful.
Pochettino though has no such problems and has a fully fit squad to choose form. The Spurs squad were given a two day off in their lead to the game at Old Trafford, thus they will be fresh and raring to make a statement.
Possible Lineups:
Adnan Januzaj is expected to start with Di Maria absent as United could lineup in a 4-2-3-1 setup. Daley Blind will have Marouane Fellaini beside him but the Belgian will dart forward whenever required. Ashley Young should start from the left as Ander Herrera gets to play the number ten role. Wayne Rooney leads the attack up front while Radamel Falcao could also come on from the bench.
Tottenham are expected to lineup in an unchanged eleven with Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb holding fort in midfield. Cristian Eriksen plays the number ten role with Andros Townsend and nacer Chadli beside him. In form hitman Harry Kane leads the line.
Stats:
- Tottenham have kept just one clean sheet in their last 12 Premier League away matches.
- Manchester United have won 11 of their 14 Premier League games at Old Trafford under Louis van Gaal (D1, L2)
- Tottenham are unbeaten in their last five Premier League fixtures versus Manchester United (W2, D3)
- Wayne Rooney has scored seven goals in his last eight Premier League starts against Tottenham
- Harry Kane has scored in his last six Premier League away games
Predictions:
Manchester United are the bookmakers’ favourites to edge out on what promises to be a lip-smacking encounter. Football betting online William Hill, the world’s biggest bookmaker have picked The Red Devils as the favourites at 19/20. A draw looks possible at 12/5 while Tottenham are 3/1 to grab an unlikely win at Old Trafford.
