Tottenham host Manchester United this Sunday with both sides in desperate need of a victory.
Two of the recognised ‘Big Six’ clubs have endured woeful seasons. Spurs are currently languishing in 15th position in the Premier League with United only one place above them.
A win for Tottenham today would see them climb above Ruben Amorim’s side and into 12th place in the league.
In a big boost for Spurs, Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie, James Maddison, Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert are all back in contention after injury.
.@ManUtd v @SpursOfficial is a fixture rich in great goals 😍#MUNTOT pic.twitter.com/1ugFmYLNkl
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 19, 2022
However, Ange Postecoglou is likely to be more cautious implementing Johnson and Odobert who are slightly behind the rest in recovery.
Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke remain out and are expected to return in early March.
Manchester United have been struck by an injury crisis of their own over the last few days. Amad Diallo has suffered a season-ending injury in the form of ankle ligament damage.
The Red Devils’ midfield options are also limited with Kobbie Mainoo out and Toby Collyer and Manuel Ugarte doubts. United boss Amorim may have to rely on a handful of academy products to bolster his squad this afternoon.
Tottenham vs Manchester United – Match preview and team news
Form
Tottenham: LWWLL
It was a damning week for Tottenham Hotspur after they were dumped out of both domestic cup competitions.
They fell to a 4-0 defeat at Liverpool in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup to crash out of the tournament.
A few days later, a lethargic start saw Aston Villa knock them out of the FA Cup in a 2-1 victory.
However, there was a slight positive for Ange Postecoglou and his team as new signing Mathys Tel netted his first goal in Lilywhite.
This week, Spurs had their first period without real interruption in months, which has allowed some of their injured players to return. The club will be confident they can begin the revival of their poor campaign with a win over Manchester United.
Manchester United: WWWLW
The Red Devils controversially progressed into the fifth round of the FA Cup after a late winner against Leicester.
Former Leicester defender, Harry Maguire, looked to be offside prior to heading home in stoppage time. But with no VAR in operation, the goal stood, and the holders will now face Fulham at Old Trafford.
That was United’s fourth triumph in five games, their best run of form under Ruben Amorim. However, a defeat today would see them slip into 15th position in the Premier League standings.
Last Meeting: Tottenham 4-3 Manchester United, Carabao Cup, 19th December 2024
The last encounter was a seven-goal thriller in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup in North London.
The hosts struck the first blow through Dominic Solanke. Pedro Porro’s swerving effort from range was hesitantly parried away by Altay Bayindir. Spurs’ record signing was the only player alive to the loose ball and managed to squeeze it past the goalkeeper.
Dejan Kulusevski scored after the interval from close range to give his side some breathing space in the tie. Solanke then grabbed his second of the evening with a textbook striker’s finish that was drilled into the bottom corner.
United looked bereft of ideas but were given a lifeline courtesy of two errors from Fraser Forster. The experienced stopper sloppily presented Bruno Fernandes with the ball – who teed up Joshua Zirkzee to tap in a consolation.
Forster was visibly affected by the mistake and made another error minutes later. The goalkeeper’s reluctance to clear his lines was punished by Amad. The Ivorian’s incessant press culminated in the ball ricocheting off him and into the net.
United’s second goal set up a nervy finale at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Those anxious thoughts were soon eradicated by a rare type of goal.
Spurs captain Heung-min Son scored an ‘Olimpico’ – a goal scored directly from a corner. Bayindir was adamant that Lucas Bergvall’s challenge had unfairly prevented him from saving the cross, but the officials didn’t sympathise with his claims.
Ruben Amorim’s side recorded a third through a Jonny Evans header but it ultimately proved too little, too late. Tottenham were knocked out in the semi-final stage of the competition by Liverpool.
Predicted Lineups
Tottenham: Vicario; Porro, Danso, Davies, Spence; Bentancur, Sarr, Maddison; Kulusevski, Tel, Son.
Manchester United: Onana; Mazraoui, Yoro, Maguire, De Ligt, Dalot; Casemiro, Fernandes; Garnacho, Hojlund, Zirkzee.
Who is the referee?
Peter Bankes will be the match official. Eddie Smart and Nick Greenhalgh will assist him and Michael Salisbury will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Paul Tierney and he will be assisted by Gary Beswick.
What TV channel is Tottenham vs Manchester United be on?
Tottenham vs Manchester United will be televised on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Ultra, Sky Go UK and NOW UK.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be at 16:30 GMT on Sunday 16th February 2025.
Tottenham vs Manchester United Match Odds
Tottenham: 13/10
Draw: 27/10
Manchester United: 19/10
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