Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur: Match Preview
After a busy week for both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, with midweek Carabao Cup games against Swansea City and West Ham respectively. Saturday’s fixture proves to be a real test for both sides.
Form
Manchester United got off to a flying start in the Premier League, securing 19 points from their first 7 games. However, after a 0-0 draw to Liverpool and a shock 2-1 loss to Huddersfield Town, United seem to have reached their first hurdle of the season. Following on from the Liverpool draw, Mourinho received a lot of criticism regarding his defensive tactics which angered the Manchester United and Liverpool fans. The loss to David Wagners’ Huddersfield raised questions as to the motivation and attitude of the United players. Midweek, saw the Red Devils take on Swansea, in which it was Jesse Lingard who put two past the Swansea defence in order to take United into the quarterfinal of the cup.
Spurs too have had an impressive start to the Premier League, sitting in third place with 20 points. Pochettino’s side faced a 3-2 loss midweek to West Ham despite being up 2-0 at half time. However, when it comes to the Premier League, the Spurs have displayed their full talent. An example being their master class against Liverpool, trumping the Reds 4-1 and putting the ‘Wembley curse’ theory to bed.
Team News
Spurs’ most valuable player, Harry Kane has been ruled out of Saturdays fixture with a hamstring injury. Although this is a huge blow to their lineup they will be able to make do with either Son or Llorente playing up top. In more positive news, both Danny Rose and Moussa Dembele return to training and will be trying hard to secure a first team spot.
Unfortunately for Mourinho’s United, their midfield injuries continue to accumulate with Paul Pogba, Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini all unfit for the game. Ander Herrera is another doubt to face Spurs after picking up an ankle injury against Swansea.
Possible Lineups
Manchester United starting XI: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Jones, Matic, Blind, Young, Mkhitaryan, Rashford, Martial, Lukaku
Tottenham starting XI: Lloris, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen, Trippier, Dembele, Dier, Davies, Eriksen, Dele, Son
Prediction
ExtraTime Talk writers have decided on a 1-1 draw, as it is believed that Harry Kane’s presence will be missed and United’s midfield will be exposed. It is unfortunate that both sides are missing some of their key players, as Saturday’s fixture could be decisive in the title race.
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