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Tottenham Hotspur welcome league leaders Manchester United on Sunday the 16th of January in an exciting encounter in the Barclays Premier League. Previous encounters between these two Premier League heavyweights have never been short of enthralling action or controversy with United’s 5-2 comeback win in 2009 and Nani’s cheeky goal in October 2010 which sealed the match being cases in point. Manchester United enjoy an enviable record against Tottenham, with their last defeat to Spurs coming in the 2000/01 season. However the only constant this season has been unpredictability, what with Tottenham and Manchester City challenging for the title and Chelsea slipping out of the top four. So nothing will be taken for granted when United travel to White Hart Lane. What can be expected is a fascinating contest.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
This season will be distinctly remembered for Tottenham’s rise as a genuine title contender and this is one reason why this fixture is grabbing so many eyeballs. The other reason is Harry Redknapp’s consistent pursuit of David Beckham. Beckham has been training at White Hart Lane but a transfer deal has not materialized due to insurance issues and hence he will not feature against his boyhood club. But that won’t deter Tottenham who have ably dealt with numerous absentees this season through their incredibly deep squad.
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Tottenham lie in fourth place, a point above Chelsea and will like to keep the Blues at bay irrespective of the result against Blackburn. For that they need to pick up three points and will undoubtedly turn to Gareth Bale, Rafael van der Vaart and Luka Modric who have been the shining stars in this glowing campaign. Bale will have his work cut out against Rafael da Silva who dealt with the flying Welshman brilliantly in the last meeting between these two teams in October. If Rafael wins the battle this time as well, Van der Vaart and Modric are more than capable of unlocking the United defence through the middle.
Bale, Modric and Van der Vaart: Tottenham's talismans
As for team news is concerned, centre back William Gallas is expected to return to the starting line-up after his recovery from a hamstring problem. He will be partnering Michael Dawson or Younes Kaboul, who has completed his three match suspension.
Possible starting XI: Gomes, Hutton, Dawson, Gallas, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Modric, Palacios, Bale, Van der Vaart, Crouch.
MANCHESTER UNITED
They are the only unbeaten team in the league but what can go against them on Sunday is their dreadful away record which stands at 2 wins out of 9. On the other hand the Red Devils have also been ruthlessly efficient in picking up points and grinding out results. That, apart from some promising team news can swing the match in United’s favour.
The promising team news is the return of big guns Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic and Edwin van der Sar. Paul Scholes has also recovered from his groin problem and could be available to inject much needed creativity when things don’t go United’s way.
If Ryan Giggs features on Sunday, it will be a landmark moment in his career as the Welsh winger edges towards his 600th cap in the top flight division, a record bettered only by Sir Bobby Charlton. Even with advancing age, the 37-year old has not ceased to prove his critics wrong by coming up with crucial performances, as demonstrated by his match winning penalty against Liverpool last Sunday.
Ryan Giggs will make history if he earns his 600th Premier League cap on Sunday
With a full squad which is hitting peak form at his disposal, Sir Alex Ferguson will be looking to extend his team’s unbeaten run and the impeccable record against Tottenham.
Possible starting XI: Van der Sar, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Nani, Anderson, Fletcher, Giggs, Berbatov, Rooney
PREDICTION
When they review their campaign, Tottenham’s shaky defence which has been leaking goals will clearly stand out. This defensive weakness has made things hard for them so many times this season. However, through their never-die spirit the Spurs have almost always staged inspirational comebacks. For that and their great home record, I am going for a 1-1 draw.
BONUS: FLASHBACK MOMENT
Tottenham vs Manchester United classic of 2001 revisited. Follow the links and enjoy!
White Hart Lane classic: Spurs vs United 2001 Part 1
White Hart Lane classic: Spurs vs United 2001 Part 2
