Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur: Preview

Date & Time: Sunday, September 29, 2024, 16:30 BST
Stadium: Old Trafford, Manchester
Weather: 59°F (15°C), Partly Cloudy with a 12% chance of rain. Wind from the WNW at 6.8mph

Manchester United’s anticipated Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford is shaping up to be a crucial fixture for both teams. Erik ten Hag’s side is looking to come back after a frustrating 1-1 draw with FC Twente in the Europa League, where they appeared lackluster, especially in the second half, and squandered their lead thanks to Christian Eriksen who was a hero and a villain both in that game, scoring and them directly involved in the goal United conceded. That result, combined with their recent 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace, has raised concerns about their inability to close out games and finish created chances, leaving them at 12th in the league.

On the contrary, Tottenham is in far better form going into this game. A few weeks ago, they lost the North London derby through a Gabriel header and, before this, lost to Newcastle United. Still, they have since rebounded with three straight victories, including a commanding 3-1 triumph over Brentford and a Carabao Cup victory over Coventry City. Spurs will try to keep up their momentum, especially with Dominic Solanke, Brenan Johnson, and James Maddison displaying consistency and form.

Team News & Stats

With Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof, Malacia, and Luke Shaw still sidelined with injuries and fitness concerns, Manchester United, after a very long time, has everyone available in the attack, with Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount finally getting minutes and regaining match fitness; they both might likely feature or even start vs Spurs. On the other hand, Spurs have Richarlison sidelined after suffering a setback in recent weeks due to a calf injury. Son Heung-min is a huge concern for Tottenham, who remains doubtful as he limped off in the Europa League clash vs Qarabag. Still, Postecoglou remains confident that the Korean International might just make it back in time.

Manchester United have won 24 Premier League home games against Tottenham; only Arsenal has beaten an opponent more at home in Premier League history, Everton. After four straight wins for United, Tottenham are now unbeaten in their last three games against them. Spurs have gained more points from losing positions in the Premier League than any other team, except Manchester City, which has more and sits at the top of this stat.

Manchester United have kept four clean sheets in the last six League games, which is astonishingly more than they had in the past 24 Games. However, they have lost the games in which they conceded. Manchester United also have the third highest xG(Expected goals) in the league this season, which is 9.6, but their shot conversion rate is amongst the lowest, which is obvious by just the five goals the Red Devils have scored compared to their xG. Tottenham’s Son has created more chances from open play than any other player in the League, which is 13. He also haunts United as he has five goals in the last seven league games against United.

Possible Starting XI

Predicted Manchester United XI: Andre Onana, Matthijs De Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazroui, Christian Eriksen, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho, Joshua Zirkzee

Predicted Tottenham Hotspur XI: Guglielmo Vicario, Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven, Destiny Udogie, Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, Son Heung-min

Prediction

With Spurs in a good run of form and United struggling to finish off their chances and games, We predict a 1-1 draw, considering United has shown decent defensive acumen. Unlike their attack, they have the ability to contain Spurs’s informative attack and might nick a valuable point.

For More Great Content