The lack of summer signings has not fazed Mauricio Pochettino’s side one bit as Tottenham Hotspur are off to a winning start to the Premier League this season. They beat Newcastle United on the road on the opening day and backed it up with a routine victory over Fulham last weekend. But their first real test of the Premier League campaign comes tomorrow, when they travel to Old Trafford, to take on Manchester United.
The Red Devils fell to a loss at the hands of the Seagulls last weekend and back at home, will look to get back to winning ways. Jose Mourinho’s side, however, looks out of shape and Spurs will firmly believe that they have a great chance to steal all three points from this game. Their last trip to Manchester ended in a loss just four months ago and Pochettino will hope that his side can exact revenge this weekend.
Team News
In early team news, Spurs are still without Juan Foyth, Victor Wanyama, Vincent Janssen and Cameron Carter-Vickers, all of who are long-term absentees. Josh Onomah may not be match fit for this weekend while Heung Min-Son is back on international duty, participating in the Asian games. The manager used two different systems in his first two games and could make a few changes this weekend as well.
PREDICTED TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR LINEUP VS MANCHESTER UNITED (3-5-2)
Defence
Hugo Lloris has not had much to do this season, having made just three routine saves in total. But he could be under the scanner against a United side that will be determined to beat a direct top-4 rival. Davinson Sanchez has nine clearances and four aerial duels won, to his name and should retain his place in the side alongside Jan Vertonghen, who has a passing accuracy of 92% and an average of 2.5 aerial duels won. Toby Alderweireld is expected to complete the trio.
Midfield
Eric Dier has been the preferred defensive midfielder for Spurs this season, with the Englishman registering four tackles, four interceptions and six clearances so far. He may play as the lone midfielder while Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli will play in slightly advanced roles, as they look to put pressure on the United midfield, that has looked out of sorts in the last couple of games.
Alli and Eriksen have seven key passes, and a goal between them and could be the danger men for the hosts in this game. Ben Davies played in the midfield against Fulham but should be back at left wing-back while Kieran Trippier, who also has a goal to his name, is expected to play a similar role as he did against the Cottagers.
Attack
Harry Kane has started off well this season and has four key passes to add to his goal. He will look to torment the likes of Eric Bailly, who seems to be low on confidence at the moment. Lucas Moura is finally making an impact in Pochettino’s system, as he has already registered a goal and will play as a support striker, also adding width to the Spurs attack.
Stat Credit: Whoscored.com