Tottenham Hotspur take on Manchester United at White Hart Lane on Sunday in a clash that could define the Premier League title race.
The North London side are now seven points behind league leaders Leicester after managing only a draw against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool last weekend. Manchester United are coming off the back of a 1-0 win over Everton, and are only one point behind fourth place rivals Manchester City. Spurs will be desperate to close the gap to the top, and will hope the stalemate at Anfield will not prove to be the end to their charge.
United are still in the fight for a top four position, but have Arsenal, Man City and West Ham to deal with. The Hammers were in front of Louis van Gaal’s squad up until recently, with the Londoners’ performance this year being one of the most praised. There are only six weeks of the Premier League to go, and it will see an exciting climax to what has been an outstanding season.
The statistics lie very heavily in Manchester United’s favour, with Spurs only winning three Premier League games against the Red Devils since 2001. However, this campaign has complied with anything but statistics and the norm.
Both sides have had two wins in their last six games over all competitions. Tottenham’s losses came to Borussia Dortmund in the two legs of the Quarter-Finals in the Eruopa league, and Manchester United also suffered a similar fate after being dumped out by fierce rivals Liverpool. Van Gaal’s team also lost to West Bromich Albion early last month.
Key Battle – Harry Kane vs David De Gea
Harry Kane against David De Gea is sure to be an exciting match-up. The Spaniard has had a dramatic season in terms of performances and transfer negotiations, while Kane has been prolific for his club. The striker became Tottenham’s most successful frontman with his goal against Liverpool.
CrownBet match odds at time of publishing
There is no doubt that De Gea is an amazing goalkeeper, but the young England show-stealer is an equally brilliant goal scorer. The saves to keep Kane at bay will need to be spectacular.
Team News
For Manchester United, Wayne Rooney is still out injured until roughly next week with a knee issue. Mauricio Pochettino and Louis van Gaal do not have much to worry about though, with their lists set to stay roughly the same.
Spurs still have a very strong squad, with Jan Vertonghen’s return on the horizon. The Dutch defender could be available for Sunday’s game, but Kevin Wimmer has been excellent in his absence and it will be interesting to see who Pochettino will pick to start the game. Vertonghen also flew home recently for a memorial service dedicated to the late Johan Cruyff, as he closes in on a new deal at Tottenham, reports say.
Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela are also rumoured to be signing new contracts with the club soon. Lamela’s new deal may come as a surprise to some but not to others, while he starts most games, the Argentine often comes off due to being rather ineffective on the field.
Head-to-head
Tottenham were unbeaten for a long time after their first day loss to United. The Lilywhites’ run against the Red Devils is not particularly great, with only two wins in their last 14 games and they have not beaten United since January 2014, where they held onto a 2-1 win.
Previous Meeting
Last time out, United pipped Spurs to a 1-0 triumph, with Kyle Walker scoring an unlucky own goal. Walker scored half way through the first half and Tottenham could not find the answer to come from behind. The first day loss did not seem to deter them however, as they now sit second in front of United.
Prediction
There is plenty to play for in this match for both sides, as van Gaal looks to save his career while will Pochettino throw everything behind an effort to catch Leicester. Expect the hosts to be too quick and creative, as Tottenham should claim some revenge for one of their four losses this season.
*CrownBet match odds at time of publishing are subject to change
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