Prediction: Manchester United vs Tottenham

Fresh from the FA Cup defeat to Arsenal, Manchester United face a very important top 4 encounter against in-form Tottenham, with the Red Devils desperate to show improvement on their previous showing. Spurs kept their Champions League hopes alive with hard-fought wins over Swansea and QPR, but they will have bigger fish to fry on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester United fans calling for Louis van Gaal to resign were just given another strong argument as the Red Devils crashed out of the FA Cup by losing at home to holders Arsenal, thus ending the final opportunity to avoid another trophy-less season. The 2-1 defeat was no less than the Old Trafford outfit deserved for another lacklustre performance, with the manager facing serious problems ahead of the very important match against top 4 rivals Tottenham. Having been at fault for both Arsenal goals, winger Antonio Valencia is expected to make way for Rafael, but it is the lack of creativity in midfield that could prove the biggest issue on Sunday. Even when struggling for form, Angel di Maria was capable of changing the course of the game and no doubt the Argentine will be sorely missed after receiving a stupid red card in the FA Cup clash. It remains to be seen whether Louis van Gaal will finally give Juan Mata a chance to shine, but even if he does start, the Spaniard could be a bit rusty having last started a game two months ago. Robin van Persie and Jonny Evans continue to miss out, while Luke Shaw faces a fitness test.

While Tottenham were definitely disappointed to lose the Capital One Cup final to bitter rivals Chelsea, the Europa League exit is likely to prove a blessing in disguise. With no less than seven teams vying for top 4 positions, Spurs desperately need to have the eyes on the prize if they want to stand any chance of securing rare Champions League qualification. Back to back setbacks against Liverpool and West Ham seriously damaged their hopes, but Tottenham produced a perfect response, defeating Swansea and QPR to climb within three points of fourth-placed Manchester United. And with the trip to Old Trafford next, Mauricio Pochettino’s charges will see this match as a perfect opportunity to improve their qualifying hopes by defeating out-of-sorts and severely weakened United. Everybody at the club was delighted to see Harry Kane return to scoring ways as he bagged a brace against QPR, and chances are he will prove a handful for Manchester United defenders as well. Unlike the Red Devils, who will be heavily relying on captain Wayne Rooney up front, Spurs have players like Cristian Eriksen, Nacer Chadli and Andros Townsend to help Harry Kane, and I certainly wouldn’t bet against Tottenham recording a third straight victory.

Conclusion

Manchester United are clearly going through a rough patch and with both Van Persie and Di Maria missing, the Red Devils will find it hard to match in-form Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs have played some great football this season, even when facing England’s top sides and I can see them getting at least one point from Old Trafford.

Verdict: Tottenham not to lose

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: bet365