Manchester United would look to get back to winning ways when they host Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. United face a tricky opposition in Spurs who will want to do well in the Premier League and FA Cup after being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League and EFL Cup.
United have endured a difficult start to their Premier League campaign and are placed sixth on the table. The Red Devils have shown flashes of brilliance but haven’t been able to convert those performances into results. United beat Ukranian club FC Zorya Luhansk in their previous game and will look to continue this form with a win against Spurs.
Ahead of this week’s fixture, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has warned the Red Devils that Spurs have regained their winning touch after beating CSKA Moscow in the Champions League. In the post-match interview, he said, “We are starting to show our real quality. We struggled in the last month and a half because we have some problems, but we have all the squad nearly fit and we are stronger."
Kickoff and Live Telecast
Date and Time- December 11, 2016 – 19:45 pm (IST)
Live Telecast- Star Sports Select HD 1
Venue- Old Trafford, Manchester
Team News
United come into this game with most of their first team players available for selection. Left-back Luke Shaw and centre-half Chris Smalling will most likely miss this game after suffering injuries in previous matches.
The game against Spurs could see the return of Eric Bailly to the Premier League, who picked up a knee injury in October. United manager Jose Mourinho would face a dilemma while picking his front four with the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Anthony Martial impressing in the wins against Zorya (Europa League) and West Ham United (EFL Cup) respectively.
Meanwhile, Spurs would travel to Old Trafford without the likes of Vincent Janssen and Erik Lamela who are ruled out due to ankle and hip injuries respectively. Spurs would be boosted by the return of Belgian centre-back Toby Alderweireld who made his return from injury in Spurs’ 3-1 win over CSKA Moscow.
Predicted line-ups:
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Rojo, Darmian; Carrick, Herrera; Martial, Mkhitaryan, Pogba; Ibrahimovic
Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose; Dembele, Dier; Eriksen, Alli, Son; Kane
Form Guide:
Manchester United started off their season with a bang, winning their first three games comfortably. Since then, it hasn’t been smooth sailing as they have won only once in their last seven league games. The main problem with United this season has been their lack of consistency.
There have been moments where United have played some brilliant football, but the team hasn’t been able to showcase their talent on a regular basis, however a comfortable 2-0 win against Zorya would give United some much-needed confidence going into the weekend. The Red Devils must defend well if they are to beat Spurs.
On the other hand, Tottenham have lost only once this season, but frequent draws have seen them drop points. Last week saw Tottenham demolishing Swansea and they will look to secure the three points against United. Spurs must be alert throughout the game and clinical in front of the goal posts if they are to come away from Old Trafford with three points.
The last meeting between these two sides ended in a 3-0 win for Spurs with goals from Alli, Alderweireld and Lamela.
Key Battles:
Anthony Martial vs Kyle Walker:
One of the key contests which may decide the outcome of this game is the one between Anthony Martial and Kyle Walker. Martial has returned to form after enduring a tough start to the season. The Frenchman scored a brace in the 4-1 victory over West Ham in the EFL Cup and would like to get a goal for the team when they take to the field against Spurs.
Martial possesses a great set of skills, blistering pace, and his main job will be to create chances for his teammates. Tottenham’s rightback, Kyle Walker, will have his task cut out in stopping the United striker. Walker has established himself as one of the best fullbacks in the league and is capable of stifling any forward.
Walker’s pace, positional awareness may be a good match for Martial’s cutting edge. All we can say is this may turn out to be one of the most mouth-watering affairs of this tie.
Also Read: Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur - 3 Key Battles
Predictions:
United would expect to win this game but they face a tricky opposition in Spurs. United’s defence seems to be a weak link and the attacking quartet of Eriksen, Son, Alli and Kane would look to take full advantage of any defensive mishap.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s form is on the up with the Armenian scoring a beautiful solo goal in United’s Europa League game. The hosts must defend as a unit and be clinical in front of the goal if they are to get the three points on Sunday.
Even Spurs must be aware and defend as a unit since United have match winners who can latch on to any mistake made by the opposition. Both sides must make full use of their chances and defend as a unit if they are to emerge victorious on Sunday.
Predicted Score: United 1-1 Spurs
Betting Odds (Bet 365)
United: 11/10
Draw: 12/5
Spurs: 12/5
