Prediction: Tottenham vs Manchester United

15th January 2011

Tottenham hope to upset the top 4 order and prove they are genuine title contenders and that can only be done by winning this game. United, on the other hand, are looking to preserve their unbeaten run and return to the Premiership summit, so everything suggests this will be a real classic at White Hart Lane.

Ever since David Beckham arrived at White Hart Lane, the media attention turned from Spurs’ excellent results to the former England captain and that is likely to prove a blessing in disguise for Harry Redknapp’s side. Media attention was the last thing Tottenham players needed in the build-up to the derby game against Manchester United, especially after the Premier League defeat at Everton. There is not a doubt in my mind that Spurs can match United on the pitch and the only question is whether they’ll be able to cope with the pressure as after quite a while they are not considered underdogs in this clash. With Bale and Kaboul back to the side, Harry Redknapp will have just four players in the infirmary, which is a great situation for the team traditionally struggling with injuries, and I can definitely see Spurs getting something from this match.

Manchester United are certainly not playing the way their fans would have liked but they are still way ahead of the title rivals in addition to being the only unbeaten Premiership side this term. The unbeaten record will be put to the real test at White Hart Lane and this is something Sir Alex Ferguson is well aware of, especially after United showed a lot of weaknesses in their last few games. The defending champions encountered numerous problems in their last few away games, even if their opponents were much weaker than Tottenham, so they could find it tough at White Hart Lane. The mere fact Ryan Giggs is still team’s main creative outlet proves something’s wrong with the Old Trafford outfit, with the absence of Paul Scholes definitely not helping. The good thing is the visitors will welcome back Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic to the side, but Edwin van der Sar remain injury doubt.

Conclusion

Tottenham have never been as impressive as this season and their amazing record at White Hart Lane can give them confidence before all important clash with Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were lucky enough not to be punished for several under-par performances, but Lady Luck will not be smiling all the time. I think a time has come for Harry Redknapp to triumph over his good pal Ferguson.

Verdict: Home win Tottenham (1)

Best Odds: 19/10

Bookmaker: William Hill