Verdict: Spurs not to lose
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: bet365
Sitting well behind the leading pack, Manchester United and Tottenham are clearly not where they want to be at the moment and this is especially true for the Red Devils. This will feel like the final opportunity for Jose Mourinho’s side to kick-start their title bid, or at least improve their Champions League hopes, so it is clear which team will be under more pressure.
Manchester United
In spite of the arrival of some world-class footballers in the summer and huge backing from the club board and the fans, the reality is that Jose Mourinho is doing even worse than his predecessors David Moyes and Louis van Gaal, which is an achievement in itself, albeit not a very impressive one. Granted, the Red Devils appear to be playing better football under the Portuguese manager, but it is now clear they will not be challenging for the Premier League trophy this season. Sitting huge nine points behind top 4 positions, Man Utd also face an uphill task to try and secure Champions League football, but there is still plenty of time for the boss and his players to turn this season around. The Red Devils have been showing signs of improvement of late, putting in some very good performances, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan proving he will be a great signing for the club after all. Looking at his latest performances and the amazing solo goal against Zorya, we are at pain to explain why Jose Mourinho didn’t give him a chance to shine much sooner, as the Armenian had arrived as the best Bundesliga footballer for the 2015/2016 campaign. With Zlatan Ibrahimovic back to scoring ways and Eric Bailly returning into action, the Red Devils definitely have reason for optimism ahead of the Spurs clash.
Team News
Having returned from a lengthy injury lay-off, Eric Bailly should keep his place in the side, while Wayne Rooney is available after missing the Everton game through suspension.
Luke Shaw is expected to return from injury, but Chris Smalling continues to miss out. David De Gea and Antonio Valencia will be recalled.
Tottenham
It would appear as though Tottenham Hotspur had missed a unique opportunity to lift the Premier League title last season, and they will have a much tougher task this term. With Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal all doing better than in the previous campaign, Spurs will have to produce something special to finish in top 4, let alone lift the coveted trophy. And while their performances in the new campaign have been promising, they will need to further raise their game in order to stand any chance of meeting pre-season objectives. The return to form of Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli has served as a welcoming boost, but the problem is that summer recruits Moussa Sissoko and Vincent Janssen have failed to prove their worth to the side. Spurs have now been eliminated from the Champions League and will continue their European campaign in Europa League, but it is the Premier League that has the priority at the moment. Tottenham recovered well from the Chelsea defeat to hammer Swansea 5-0, and they have no choice but to try and win at Old Trafford as well.
Team News
Erik Lamela has traveled to Argentina due to personal problems and he will probably miss out, but Toby Alderweireld should start after recovering from injury.
Key Factors to Consider
- Man Utd won last two home games vs Spurs
- Spurs had won the previous two meetings at Old Trafford
- Over 2.5 goals were scored in 7 of their last 10 meetings
- Man Utd are unbeaten in last seven (W4 D3)
- Harry Kane scored 6 goals in last 5 outings
Conclusion
Manchester United have seriously raised their form of late, but they are still not playing at the highest level, and we don’t think they will be able to beat revived Spurs. With Kane, Alli and Eriksen in fine form at the moment, we believe Tottenham can avoid defeat at Old Trafford.
Verdict: Spurs not to lose
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: bet365
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