Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur face off at Old Trafford on Sunday, which will be a highly entertaining affair. The two sides have had hiccups this season, and have somewhat got back in form, thanks to their progression in the cup competitions.
United have won one of their two league games, while Spurs have won one, drawn one, and lost one in their opening three rounds of the Premier League. The last encounter between these two sides saw the game end in a 1-1 draw.
Ahead of the match between the Red Devils and the north London club, let’s take a look at the 3 burning questions from the game.
How will Spurs cope with the fixture congestion?
Spurs have had a jam-packed start to the 2020-21 season, as they have had to play in the Europa League qualifying rounds, while also playing in the Premier League and EFL Cup. Jose Mourinho’s men had to play twice during the week – first against Chelsea in the EFL Cup and Maccabi Haifa in the Europa League.
They played three games in the space of six days, and their game against United will be their 8th game of the season in under a month. This Spurs side could be jaded against the Red Devils, which could play a part in the outcome of the game.
Will Paul Pogba start?
Manchester United have looked lacklustre this season, partly because of the lack of match fitness, and also because of poor performances by their midfielders and defenders. Last weekend against Brighton, the Red Devils looked shell-shocked as The Seagulls strung together attack after attack, and were unlucky to lose the game.
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba put in a disastrous performance as he didn’t offer much offensively or defensively. He gave away the ball cheaply, didn’t make many tackles or interceptions, and looked tired. Will Ole Gunnar Solskjaer retain his star Frenchman, or will new signing Donny van de Beek – or the more industrious Fred and Scott McTominay, get a chance to play alongside Nemanja Matic?
Who will replace Son and Lo Celso?
The hectic schedule has resulted in a few injuries to Jose Mourinho’s side, with star attacker Son Heung-min a big doubt for Sunday’s game, while midfielder Giovani Lo Celso is a doubt too. Both players have been in good form lately, especially Son, and if they miss the game against Manchester United, it will be a big blow for Mourinho.
Who could replace the two players if they are injured? Steven Bergwijn, who scored against United last time around, is an option to replace Son, while Tanguy Ndombele could play in the Lo Celso role.
