Introduction
Tottenham Hotspur host Manchester United today, as they continue to fight for the Top 4 spot. Jose Mourinho’s side is currently seventh in the league with five points adrift of the fourth spot. On the other hand, Manchester United is still in the second position, 14 points behind the leaders and their rivals – Manchester City, but with a game in hand. If they manage to win both these games, the Red Devils will reduce the gap to eight points and the title race could get interesting.
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Why Should You be Watching?
The battle for the Top 4 will be interesting as West Ham United lock horns with Leicester City, just before this very fixture. The Foxes even though are third in the league, are just four points ahead of the Hammers. Both Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, would look to win all three points, irrespective of what happens in the West Ham v Leicester City fixture. Manchester United will have a point to prove after suffering a humiliating defeat (1-6), when they last met last time around (in October).
Build Up
Even though winning the league this season for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks unlikely, he would want to finish off the season strongly. Tottenham have had a dip in form of late, having won only two out of their last five games in all competitions. As for Manchester United, they have been in a good form having won four out of their last five games in all competition. What favors the Red Devils is their away form this season. Their last defeat away from Old Trafford, dates back to January 2020 coming against Liverpool at Anfield.
Tottenham Hotspur form: D-W-L-L-W
Manchester United form: W-W-L-W-W
Head to Head
The recent head-to-head stats between the two teams are even. Both sides have won two of their last five league meetings against each other. Tottenham however, demolished Manchester United 1-6 at Old Trafford, in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
Team News
Tottenham
Jose Mourinho in his press conference has confirmed that Ben Davies and Matt Doherty are the only two absentees for this game due to injuries. Apart from those two, the Spurs have a full-strength squad available for the game.
Injured: Ben Davies, Matt Doherty
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Tottenham Hotspur Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
GK: Hugo Lloris
Defence: Serge Aurier, Toby Alderweireld, Davinson Sanchez, Sergio Reguillon
Midfield: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Tanguy Ndombele, Heung-min Son, Lucas Moura, Gareth Bale
Forward: Harry Kane
Manchester United
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be hopeful that Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford are match fit. There are high chances that the English duo is unlikely to be featured in the squad on Sunday, as they struggled during the midweek clash against Granada and also were taken off. Anthony Martial and Eric Bailly are also unavailable.
Injured: Anthony Martial, Eric Bailly
Doubtful: Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford
Suspended: None
Manchester United Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
GK: David De Gea
Defence: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Alex Telles
Midfield: Fred, Paul Pogba, Mason Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford
Forward: Edinson Cavani
Players to Watch Out For
SPURS
Harry Kane
Considered as one of the best strikers in the world, Harry Kane has been in dazzling form this season as well. He is the Premier League’s top scorer and assist provider this season. Despite Kane’s amazing form, Spurs have still struggled for consistency this season. The England International has made 41 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring 29 goals and providing 16 assists, such has been his form.
Heung-Min Son
The player was slated and criticized after his poor first season at the club. The former Bayer Leverkusen player found his feet and nearly six seasons later, is now considered as one of the best in the Premier League. Son has developed a wonderful on-field partnership with his fellow attacker Harry Kane. The attacker has made 42 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring 18 goals and providing 16 assists.
Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes
One of the best midfielders in the Premier League this season, Bruno Fernandes has completely transformed Manchester United since his arrival at the club. His impact has been immense and the Portuguese International has impressed with his creativity, as well as with his leadership qualities. Fernandes has made 47 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United this season, scoring 24 goals and providing 14 assists. The player is also one of the strong contenders for PFA Player’s Player of the season.
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford is having yet another good season for Manchester United upfront. The fluent attacker has responded well to his critics with his on-field performances in crucial games throughout this campaign. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer considers him as one of the most players in his squad. Despite his injury woes, the England international has made 47 appearances in all competitions this season for Manchester United, scoring 20 goals and providing 12 assists.
Conclusion
Both sides will want to win this game but Tottenham will have an added pressure, as they would want to catch up for the Top 4 position in the league. Jose Mourinho is an experienced tactician who has been in such situations, all throughout his career. He is also experienced in winning such big games and is expected to outclass Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans.
On the other hand, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has won only one game against the “Big 6” teams this season however, that win came up against their arch-rivals Manchester City. Also, the Red Devils have an amazing away record this season. The battle between these two teams is even and the encounter is the perfect dish for this Sunday.
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