Manchester United will face their first real test since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s appointment. The Norwegian has overseen a drastic upturn in form and resultantly goals which has seen the Old Trafford outfit jump right back in the Top 4 race.
They face a strong and assured Tottenham Hotspur today but considering the recent results, both teams will pretty much start on an even keel. In terms of current form, Spurs and United are level alongside leaders Liverpool with all three teams having won five out of their last six games.
PRE-MATCH MINI TRIVIA
In the Premier League
- Manchester United have won their last 4 games.
- Tottenham have won 6 of their last 7 games.
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Spurs’ last 4 games.
- United have scored at least 2 goals in 7 out of their last 8 matches.
Looking at the above stats, we can surely expect a high scoring encounter especially with two attack-minded managers at the helm of the two sides.
MANCHESTER UNITED TEAM NEWS
Eric Bailly continues to serve his suspension. He will miss the tie along with Marcos Rojo who has returned to Argentina to carry on with his recuperation. Chris Smalling and Alexis Sanchez are also doubts and are unlikely to be risked.
PREDICTED MANCHESTER UNITED LINEUP VS TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (4-3-3)
DEFENCE
David de Gea will start in goal. The Spaniard kept a rare clean sheet against Newcastle and his team will again look up to him for a similar display.
Ashley Young has been preferred over Valencia and Dalot and is expected to start at right back. Victor Lindelof has been a constant in the new regime and should partner Phil Jones in central defence. Smalling will be pushing for a start though if passed fit.
Luke Shaw is also a near-certainty at left-back having started all four matches till now under Ole.
MIDFIELD
A midfield three is slowly taking shape under the interim boss. Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic have excelled in controlling the tempo of the midfield. They are likely to continue with Paul Pogba in a slightly advanced role. The Frenchman has been passed fit and will look to continue his scintillating form.
ATTACK
Marcus Rashford seems to have cemented his place as the first choice striker and should lead the line.
Anthony Martial looks set to start on the left flank with Sanchez a doubt. On the opposite flank, Juan Mata might make way for Jesse Lingard with the Spaniard having started against Reading in their last game.
