Prediction: Tottenham vs Manchester United



Premier League title contenders Tottenham Hotspur will probably need to win all the remaining fixtures if they are to stand any chance of lifting the coveted trophy and Manchester United will be their first obstacle. The Red Devils are effectively back in the top 4 chase following back to back triumphs over Manchester City and Everton, and they head to White Hart Lane in excellent spirits.

Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a largely successful campaign so far, but they need to continue the rich vein of form if they are to make it count. Despite working hard for the win, Spurs couldn’t succeed in their quest last weekend as they shared spoils with Liverpool, allowing leaders Leicester City to move seven points clear with six games to go. Nevertheless, Tottenham are not yet ready to give up on the title bid as the Foxes are bound to slip up soon, and they will be looking to keep their part of the bargain by winning all the remaining games. With that in mind, this is probably not the right time to be facing revived Manchester United, but two narrow wins cannot change the fact that the Red Devils have been less than impressive throughout the season. Spurs, on the other hand, have performed at a very high level over the last few months and while it is clear they are playing with a lot of confidence, Mauricio Pochettino’s youthful side do not appear to be bothered by the increased expectations. Taking also into account their stellar home form, we believe Tottenham will extend the bright run against Manchester United.

Team News

Manager Mauricio Pochettino should have Erik Lamela, Jan Vertonghen and Clinton N’Jie available for selection after they recovered from injury.

This means that Algerian midfielder Nabil Bentaleb is the only unavailable footballer at the moment, although Clinton N’Jie may not make the match squad.



Manchester United

This season has been a genuine roller coaster ride for Manchester United, with plenty of positive sides and at least as many negative moments making it very difficult to assess. Disappointing attacking performances and boring style of play are the main reason why many believe that Louis van Gaal should be sacked at the end of the current campaign, but he has got to be given credit for fielding a plethora of youngsters during difficult moments for the club and no doubt that the Red Devils will profit from this approach in the long run. Despite failing to impress along the way, Manchester United have somehow managed to mount a serious top 4 challenge, with unexpected victory in the Manchester derby and narrow win over Everton seeing Louis van Gaal’s side climb to within one point of Champions League positions. Nevertheless, it is clear that his team are still not playing to their potential and we expect all their frailties to be exposed when facing the in-form Tottenham Hotspur side.

Team News

Wayne Rooney and Luke Shaw are back in training, but the Spurs game comes too soon for the England internationals.

Daley Blind faces a fitness test, but Cameron Borthwick-Jackson returns. Bastian Schweinsteiger, Ashley Young, Phil Jones and Will Keane are out injured.

Key Factors to Consider

• Spurs failed to score in last three meetings with Man Utd
• Last three meetings at White Hart Lane ended all square
• Spurs last defeated Man Utd at home back in 2001
• Tottenham won four of last five EPL fixtures at home
• Man Utd have four defeats in last six away matches

Conclusion

Manchester United may have shown some improvement of late, but their performances are still below par, and we doubt they have what it takes to match the high flying Spurs. Tottenham are showing no signs of slowing down and we expect them to keep their title hopes alive with yet another home win.

Verdict: Home win

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: William Hill