EPL Match Preview, Round 21: Manchester United Vs Tottenham
Written By Albert Echatah
Seeking their first top-flight double over Manchester United in the Premier League era, Tottenham Hotspur make their long awaited trip to Old Trafford for Sunday’s enticing matchup.
Both sides kicked off 2024 by advancing to the fourth round of the FA Cup, as the Red Devils sunk Wigan Athletic 2-0, while Ange Postecoglou’s team ran out 1-0 winners over Burnley.
Manchester United
Though there were a lot of wasted chances against Wigan, Ten Hag’s team eventually defeated the league one based team in the FA Cup on January 8 at the DW Stadium thanks to goals from Diogo Dalot’s excellent finish and a controversial penalty from Bruno Fernandes.
Fans of Newport County and Eastleigh will already be licking their tongues at the possibility of a fourth-round encounter with Man United – who will face the victor of that replay later this month – but Ten Hag’s side now resume Premier League duty after a wholly poor start to the new season.
Form
This weekend, Man United will play in front of the prying eyes of Sir Jim Ratcliffe for the very first time. Man United are at risk of losing ten games in the top-flight division for the fifth time in the history of the Premier League despite a change in management in three of them.
Player’s to watch
Alejandro Garnacho has scored 3 goals and provided 2 assists in 18 EPL matches for the Red Devils. The Argentine winger was responsible for Man United’s sensational comeback against Aston Villa by scoring a second half brace.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs ended 2023 with a commendable 3-1 victory over an in-form Bournemouth team to move within one point of fourth-place Arsenal, who could be usurped by their bitter rivals this weekend while they enjoy an extended break from competitive action.
Spurs’ narrow victory over the Clarets marked their fifth win from six matches in all tournaments.
Form
Though Spurs have not failed to score on rival grounds in the top division since a 1-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers at the beginning of March, Tottenham has struggled to be consistent on the road recently, as only one of their last four Premier League away games has resulted in a victory.
Player’s to watch
Richarlison has scored 3 goals in his last 5 games for Spurs. The Brazilian striker has scored 6 goals and provided 3 assists in 17 EPL games for the North London based club.
Team News
Christian Eriksen, Antony and Amad Diallo have recovered from their illness/injuries while Mason Mount, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia, and Anthony Martial appear set to miss out due to injuries to their knees, groin, and calf, respectively.
The injuries they sustained during the FA Cup forced Ben Davies to come off, Giovani Lo Celso (unspecified) is expected to sidelined for the game, joining James Maddison (ankle), Dane Scarlett (muscle), Manor Solomon (knee), Ivan Perisic (knee), and Alejo Veliz (knee) on the sidelines.
Head-To-Head
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur played 63 Games since 1995. Manchester United have won 40 games while Tottenham have won 11, there has been 12 draws between both clubs.
Hot stat
Manchester United have won 24 of their 31 Premier League meetings with Spurs at Old Trafford.
Possible Lineup
Manchester United: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Evans, Dalot; McTominay, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
Tottenham Hotspur: Vicario; Porro, Emerson, Van de Ven, Udogie; Skipp, Bentancur; Johnson, Kulusevski, Werner; Richarlison
Verdict
While Man United’s offensive problems are well-documented, Tottenham’s win over Burnley was largely the result of attacking inventiveness. However, a number of returns will undoubtedly increase the Red Devils’ prospects of starting the 2024 Premier League season on a good note. Manchester United 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
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