Prediction: Tottenham vs Manchester United

19th January 2013

After winning at Old Trafford for the first time in 23 years, Tottenham will fancy their chances of recording a double win over United and improving their chances of finishing in top 4. The Red Devils go into the game high of confidence, having won last four in the league, so there is every chance we will see an enthralling encounter at the Lane.

It is fair to say many were surprised when Tottenham board signed Andre Villas-Boas to replace Harry Redknapp following the Portuguese coach’s pretty disappointing reign at Stamford Bridge, but he has, nonetheless, done really well to prove the doubters wrong. With summer signings Jan Vertonghen and especially Moussa Dembele becoming real assets at White Hart Lane, Villas-Boas also managed to get the best out of Jermain Defoe and Aaron Lennon, while his decision to restore Michael Dawson to the starting line-up after the captain was virtually written off during the summer shows that he is also willing to admit his mistakes. All this has helped Tottenham return to the top 4 following a slow start to the league campaign, with Spurs now on a seven-match unbeaten run. Even with Emmanuel Adebayor and Sandro both unavailable, the White Hart Lane outfit should provide a stern challenge for the number one candidates for the league title.

Once one of league’s top defensive sides, Manchester United have been conceding goals for fun this term, with their back line virtually non-existent in most matches, but they have made sure their defensive frailties do not cost them dearly in the Premiership title race. While Robin van Persie has been in scintillating form from the very start to the season, Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez have also been thoroughly impressive as United created a seven-point cushion at the Premier League summit. Having done so well amidst huge defensive problems, the Red Devils are expected to continue the trend now that Nemanja Vidic, Rafael and Phil Jones have all returned into action. Given that 3-2 defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford remains their only derby loss of the season, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men will give their best to get revenge on Spurs and edge closer to the league title. They will have to do so without Ashley Young, but that is unlikely to be a major issue now that Wayne Rooney and Nani are back in contention.

Conclusion

Goals should be the order of the day when these two sides meet each other at White Hart Lane, with premium excitement guaranteed every time Tottenham and Manchester United square off in the Premier League. My advice is to bet on over 3 goals, meaning your stake will be returned if there are exactly three goals scored.

Verdict: Over 3 goals

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: bet365