Prediction: Tottenham to Win and Both Teams to Score
Odds: 13/4
Bookmaker: Bet365
Jose Mourinho takes his resurgent Tottenham Hotspur side to former employers Manchester United in a midweek Premier League clash on Wednesday evening.
The Portuguese has had quite the impact at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since taking over from Mauricio Pochettino a matter of weeks ago and will hope to continue that excellent form at Old Trafford.
Manchester United
The Red Devils’ struggles for form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continued at the weekend as despite getting into a winning position against Aston Villa, they were held to a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford. That result now means that United have now only won four out of their opening 14 games in the Premier League under Solskjaer, leaving them ninth in the table. As a matter of fact, the team have not managed to win back-to-back league games since March, an aspect they desperately have to rectify should they have ambitions of securing European football this season. One aspect that has seen them struggle this season has been in defence. The Red Devils have so far only kept two clean sheets in 2019/20 against Chelsea and Leicester City. Only one side in the entire league has kept fewer – that being Tottenham Hotspur. Going up against a Spurs side who are bang in form, it appears to be a tough task to notch their third this week.
Team News
Solskjaer could have a boost against Spurs, with Scott McTominay potentially set to return from an ankle injury that has seen him miss the past two Premier League matches. However, there is still quite a large portion of his squad still restricted to the sidelines. Eric Bailly, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Diogo Dalot are out until at least Christmas, whilst Paul Pogba is unlikely to return this week. Meanwhile, Nemanja Matic is still out.
Tottenham Hotspur
Taking over from Mauricio Pochettino just three games ago, Mourinho has led Spurs to three consecutive victories. That was previously something that the team had not managed since April. Despite the positive impact the Portuguese has had in North London, there has been a slight trend in their matches. In both of their previous wins against West Ham United and AFC Bournemouth, Mourinho’s troops impressively raced into a three-goal lead before then inexplicably conceding two late goals, making both victories slightly nervy. Should Spurs’ concentration improve, then more comfortable victories are surely set to come in the near future. As a matter of fact, a victory against Manchester United could potentially take the team to within three points of fourth-placed Chelsea.
Team News
The match at Old Trafford could come too early for the likes of Erik Lamela and Michel Vorm, who are out with a thigh and calf injury respectively. Meanwhile, Hugo Lloris and Ben Davies both look likely to be ruled out until at least the New Year.
Key Facts To Consider
- Manchester United have the far better all-time head-to-head record (W91, D48, L52)
- Manchester United won the last game between the two 1-0
- Jose Mourinho has only ever lost three times in 20 games against Manchester United as a manager
- Harry Kane has only ever scored two goals in career 11 appearances against the Red Devils
- Last season’s 3-0 win for Tottenham Hotspur saw Manchester United fail to score at home against them for the first time in 13 matches
Conclusion
Considering the horrendous defensive record of both sides this season, and the sheer lack of clean sheets, there could well be plenty of goals at Old Trafford. Mourinho will be extremely keen to get one over his former employers, especially if it continues Tottenham’s excellent recent run. Spurs’ attacking talents should see them get a win which could go a long way in their pursuit of UEFA Champions League football.
Prediction: Tottenham to Win and Both Teams to Score
Odds: 13/4
Bookmaker: Bet365
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