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Tottenham Hotspur will look to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they host a struggling Manchester United side on Saturday afternoon. Spurs were beaten 1-0 by West Ham United in the league last Sunday, marking their fourth defeat in nine Premier League games.
Manchester United, on the other hand, were subjected to their joint-worst defeat at Old Trafford last weekend. Jurgen Klopp’s rampant Liverpool side ran riots at Old Trafford, sealing an emphatic 5-0 win against their bitterest rivals. Mohamed Salah was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick over the two halves.
Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are desperate to bounce back in the Premier League, with their managers also walking a sloppy path. With so much at stake, this Saturday's clash looks destined to eclipse all other fixtures this week, and we can barely contain our excitement.
Now, without further ado, let us check out the top five predictions for Manchester United’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur.
#5 Tottenham Hotspur to keep it tight at the back
Nuno Espirito Santo was meant to give Tottenham Hotspur a new dimension in attack without compromising on their structural integrity. So far, the former Wolverhampton coach has been unsuccessful on both fronts.
Tottenham have only won five of their nine Premier League matches this season, losing the other four. The absence of even a single draw does not point towards Spurs' free-flowing attack, but rather their weak defense.
Tottenham, who have conceded 13 goals in the Premier League alone, need to make an exception for Manchester United and be a lot more frugal at the back.
They only average one goal per game in the league and conceding more can turn out to be catastrophic. Expect Spurs to suffocate United and put more men behind the ball than usual, especially in the first half.
#4 Pogba’s absence to be a sore spot for Manchester United
Manchester United star Paul Pogba had one of his worst evenings for the club on Sunday. Not only was he refused a starting spot, but he was dismissed only 15 minutes after coming on as a substitute.
His reckless challenge on Naby Keita was deservedly punished with a straight red, meaning he will miss three top-flight games.
Unfortunately for United, Pogba has been their best creator, providing seven assists in the league. If Spurs do play a little more conservatively, United will miss the creativity of the 2018 World Cup winner.
Red Devils’ hopes of breaching Spurs will now rest heavily on the shoulders of Bruno Fernandes.
#3 Manchester United to be boosted by Raphael Varane’s return
Manchester United were thoroughly outclassed by Liverpool’s lively attack on Sunday. Red Devils captain Harry Maguire was abysmal at the back and his partner Victor Lindelof was no better. United will look to bring Raphael Varane back into the fold this week, having missed the Liverpool match with a groin injury.
The Frenchman is the most decorated defender in the team and has the quality to contain even the hungriest of attackers. Maguire also looks considerably more solid with Varane by his side, and Manchester United will need the two to find their chemistry against Tottenham.
Bringing a freshly recovered player into such a high-octane game is rarely a good idea. However, given the pressure Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under, we would be surprised if he does not start Varane against Spurs.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo to outshine Harry Kane
Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo had a dream re-debut last month, scoring a brace against Newcastle United at Old Trafford. Unfortunately, the Portuguese has not managed to maintain that momentum and is desperate to find his way back.
The 36-year-old forward primarily operates down the center of the pitch these days, but he can also drift wide from time to time. Tottenham Hotspur’s leaky defense should come as an encouragement for Ronaldo, who loves to exploit little pockets of space.
Expect the legendary number 7 to be hungrier than ever and pounce at least once.
His opposite number Harry Kane, on the other hand, has looked subdued since the start of the season. The Englishman has only scored once for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this season and has often cut a frustrating figure on the pitch.
With Varane set to return, Saturday’s encounter might turn out to be another frustrating day at the office for the England striker.
#1 Manchester United to beat Tottenham Hotspur by the narrowest of margins
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur may not have a classic Premier League rivalry, but they hate losing against one another. Both sets of players are eager to bounce back and Saturday’s afternoon clash presents them with the perfect opportunity to make a statement.
Unfortunately for the hosts, Saturday’s visitors have a clear advantage when the last five meetings are considered. Tottenham have only won one of their last five matches against Manchester United, with their last meeting ending in a 3-1 win for the Red Devils.
Manchester United also have their own fair share of issues, but they just might be able to see Tottenham Hotspur through this Saturday. We predict a narrow 2-1 win for the Red Devils at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
