Manchester Utd – Tottenham : Preview & Prediction
After a run in which they conceded the first goal in three consecutive games, Manchester United have recovered to keep a clean sheet in successive matches ahead of this potentially crucial game against Tottenham Hotspur. United will be hoping to be in the top four at the end of the season, but are currently seven points behind Spurs in third place, and as such, it would appear to be a must-win for Erik ten Hag’s men.
The Red Devils have won the last three meetings against their Premier League (PL) rivals, although they have not recorded a run of four consecutive wins against Tottenham since the 2009-10 season. Finally matching that streak could be in the cards, however, as United are unbeaten in 12 of their last 13 home games in the PL (G7, E5), a run that includes impressive victories over league leaders Arsenal and Liverpool.
Although Tottenham have been hit by injuries to key players such as Richarlison and Kulusevski, they remain in contention at the top of the table after a 15-game unbeaten run in their last 16 in PL action (G11, E4). Their only defeat during that time came against bitter rivals Arsenal and they can now move into second place with victory here.
Spurs manager Antonio Conte spoke fondly of his former player Christian Eriksen in the build-up and said “I would love to have him back in my team”. Unfortunately for him, Conte will face the Danish midfielder here as he looks to end a trend that has seen the home side on duty take all three points in their seven head-to-heads against United (G4, P3).
Players to watch: David De Gea became the 11th player to reach 500 appearances for Manchester United the previous Sunday, and seven of his 170 clean sheets during that time came in 20 meetings against Spurs. Harry Kane, who is enjoying his most prolific start to a PL season with nine goals, will be looking to keep it away from Schmeichel’s all-time club record of 180 clean sheets. He could now become the first Tottenham player to score in six consecutive PL appearances with another goal here.
Key stat: Tottenham have failed to win in six of their last nine PL matches played on a Wednesday (E2, P4).
Manchester Utd – Tottenham : Betting Tips
Manchester Utd – Win Odds: 2.75
