After a hard fought and a lucky 1-0 win over Norwich City away to Carrow Road, defending the Champions Manchester United take on a resurgent Tottenham outfit here in new year’s day in Old Trafford. Both the teams are tied on points (34) sitting sixth and seventh respectively in the table with United just above thanks to a superior goal difference. The Red Devils will look to build on the momentum they have gathered over the last few games winning six games in as many encounters in all competitions.
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Tottenham under Tim Sherwood too have secured full points on two occasions in three games. Spurs were guilty of throwing away their lead twice in the fixture earlier this season at White Hart Lane. So can David Moyes’ side bag full points on New Year’s day at Old Trafford. We here at Soccersouls decided to provide our readers with an in depth analysis of the game and what would be United’s strongest line up going into the new year’s first encounter.
Goalkeeper:
United are undefeated in 28 of their last 29 matches against Tottenham in all competitions and would be looking to maintain their record to close the gap on the top four which currently stands at four points. David De Gea will look forward to have yet another clean sheet at home to keep Spurs at bay and hand United their seventh straight win.
Defence:
Tottenham have played two strikers up front under Sherwood to find a route to scoring more goals, a testament of their attacking attitude and change of guard under the new head coach. This means the likes of Vidic and Evans will have to be aware of more pressure right through the middle and Smalling alongside Evra in either wing backs role need to be on their toes against the likes of Lennon and Lamela/Siggurdson on either wings.
Midfield:
I am sure Moyes will play a formation similar to the 4-3-3 with the central role given to Micheal Carrick who will be given the task to protect the defence at his back. While defending, Moyes will order his team to play in a more 4-5-1 approach to stop Tottenham from playing the balls on eitherwings and overloading their defensive cover in midfield. With either wing backs attacking the away side, overlapping the wingers, United also have to be wary of tracking back if they decide to go with Cleverley and Kagawa in the hole behind the front three.
However, given Janujaz’s impressive run of games expect the youngster ahead of Kagawa to start the game on the left side while Valencia would occupy his customary role on the right flank.
Attack:
Robin Van Persie isn’t fit yet while Wayne Rooney who missed the trip to Carrow Road through a groin injury will be likely making it to the starting lineup. This means Danny Welbeck who has been in inspired form of late will have another go in the first team. Welbeck who scored United’s winner at Norwich and bagged a brace at Aston Villa and will again be looking to make headlines, more than that as far as United is concerned, three points in the kitty will be a must.
