Premier League match Preview: Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur have a daunting task ahead of them, on Saturday, when they face Manchester United at Old Trafford. They have never beaten United in the Premier League era and if they do it, it will be a double delight for Harry
Redknapp's team as they will leap frog United in the points table as well.
Manchester United
United have had their problems this season, defensively, but the fact remains that they are unbeaten in 20 competitive games since losing to Chelsea in April. Sir Alex Ferguson will be happy with that, but they still need to win
games rather than the draws that have left them behind Chelsea in the Premier League title race.
The Red Devils, who are 3rd in the Premier League and 5 points behind league leaders Chelsea, could have been in more trouble had Javier Hernandez not scored with the late winner at Stoke City last weekend. It was their
first away win of the season in the League where much of the success has been at Old Trafford.
Although United have been scoring consistently but their defence is a major worry for Fergie - having conceded 2 goals in half of their games this season and more importantly in the later stages of the match.
The United boss is expected to make number of changes to the side that beat Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Carling Cup on Tuesday, with key players like Dimitar Berbatov, Nani, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Javier Hernandez
certain to start.
Injury Concerns
On the injury front, Michael Owen joins Wayne Rooney on the sidelines, leaving Ferguson with just Federico Macheda to call upon from bench in strike options.
Tottenham Hotspur
With big games coming up thick and fast, Redknapp will be more concerned about getting something from this game to keep in close with the 4 teams that are currently above them in the table.
They are currently at 5th place in the League with 15 points and 7 points adrift of league leaders, Chelsea. However, just 2 points separate them from the 3 teams, including Manchester United.
Spurs have lost just 1 of their last 5 league games that was an away tie against West Ham United on 25th September.
On Wednesday, they lost their Champions League match against Inter Milan at the San Siro. It turned out to be a thrilling encounter, after first choice keeper Heurelho Gomes sent off in the 8th minute and Spurs were trailing 4-0
inside 35 minutes. They showed good fighting spirit in the 2nd half, as Gareth Bale scored a hat trick, only to lose 4-3 in the end.
Of their last 5 away games in all competitions Spurs have won just 1, but they have managed to score goals in 6 of their 7 away games.
Injury Concerns
Tottenham haven’t suffered any new injuries. Ledley King is doubtful to play whereas striker Jermain Defoe and defender Michael Dawson continue to remain as long term absentees.
Head-to-Head Record
Tottenham do not have best record against the Red Devils in recent times. Haven’t beaten them in 21 games in all competitions and have not won at Old Trafford since 1989. United have won 6 games in a row against Tottenham including
penalty shootout win in Carling Cup Final, since Redknapp took over.
Predictions
History of this contest suggests an easy United win, but considering injuries to its key players, that include the likes Rooney and Ryan Giggs, and their poor defensive record this season it is hard to predict the score line.
United and Spurs, both, have been unable to keep clean sheets in their respective home and away games therefore we might see a high scoring game.
Expected Manchester United Line up: Edwin Van der Sar, John O'Shea, Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Darren Fletcher, Paul Scholes, Anderson Oliveira, Luis Nani, Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov
Formation: (4-4-2)
Expected Tottenham Hotspur Line up: Heurelho Gomes, Alan Hutton, Assou-Ekotto, William Gallas, Younes Kaboul, Tom Huddlestone, Luka Modric, Aaron Lennon, Gareth Bale, Rafael van der Vaart and Peter Crouch
Formation: (4-5-1)
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