Premier League: Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur - Match Preview
The clash between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur probably holds more significance for the Spurs than it does for United. The Red Devils may see it as a tough match to get 3 points, but Tottenham would be looking to get
some records straight. In the last few years, the London club has been able to beat the big teams in the English Premier League on regular basis. However, Manchester United has been one team that the Spurs have not been able to get the better of. The last
time Tottenham beat United in the league was back in the 2000-01 season; it was last game of the season, and the title had already been decided in United’s favour. Therefore, that win was really not as significant (and was almost a decade ago). So that is
all the more reason for the Spurs to finally put one over the Red Devils and that too at Old Trafford.
Manchester United come into the game after 3 straight wins in 3 different competitions. Last week, Manchester united beat Bursaspor in the Champions League in a less than convincing performance against the Turkish side. After that,
Manchester United were pushed all the way by Stoke City and it was only down to a brace by Javier Hernandez that earned them a win. Finally, it was another struggle against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Carling Cup and once again it was Javier Hernandez who
came up with the winner just a minute or so before the end. Thus, 3 wins in 3 games may flatter to deceive as far as Manchester United are concerned.
Tottenham Hotspur, on the other hand, lost 4-3 to AC Milan in the Champions League and drew with Everton on the weekend in the Premier League. But if the 2nd half performance of the Spurs against AC Milan is taken into
account, one cannot help but admire the resolve and determination of Harry Redknapp’s team. Tottenham almost got a point out of a lost cause and it surely would give them a lot of confidence especially in Europe. Not to forget the remarkable hat-trick by Gareth
Bale, who certainly is coming of age and fast becoming one of the most sought after wingers in world football.
Wayne Rooney is still out with an ankle injury and all eyes would once again be focused on Javier Hernandez. The Mexican has been a revelation at Old Trafford but expecting him to come up with the goods in every game may be a bit
too much to ask for. Michael Owen, on the other hand, has received yet another setback with a fresh new hamstring injury. So it would be Chicharito and Dimitar Berbatov in attack; the midfield is expected to be comprised of the trusted pairing of Paul Scholes
and Darren Fletcher. Nani, who has been in scintillating form, is expected to continue on the right wing, while the left flank may be up for grabs: Ji-Sung Park or Anderson may be the candidates for that. In defence, Sir Alex Ferguson would be happy to keep
his best pairing of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
Harry Redknapp, on the other hand, does not have any injury worries, Younes Kaboul and William Gallas would once again be back in the centre of defence. The Spurs are expected to go in with a 4-4-1-1 formation away from home. Rafael
van der Vaart would be playing just behind the striker, and Russian Roman Pavlyuchenko would be playing upfront.
Going on purely the past record, Manchester United should be clear favourites, but if one looks at the current form of both teams and Red Devils’ recent tendency of letting in goals, Tottenham should have a great chance of coming
away with at least a draw.
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