Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur: Preview, Expected XI and Prediction
Manchester United clash with Tottenham on Sunday (September 29) with pressure growing on Erik ten Hag amid his side's topsy-turvy form. The Red Devils beat Southampton 3-0 and Barnsley 7-0 only to draw against Crystal Palace 0-0 and FC Twente 1-1, games they arguably should have won.
The Reds' inconsistent form has them sitting 11th in the league with two wins and as many defeats in their opening five games. The same can be said for Spurs who have the same record as United but have a superior goal difference. It could be a cagey affair between the two top-four hopefuls.
Manchester United vs. Tottenham Preview
Manchester United looked set to open their UEFA Europa League campaign with a victory over Dutch outfit FC Twente. Christian Eriksen struck a superb 35th minute opener only to slip up in the second half and allow Sam Lammers to disposses him and fire in a 68th minute equalizer.
It was a case of deja-vu for Ten Hag and his side who have continuously struggled to see out wins. They should have beaten Palace at Selhurst Park last weekend but Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho hit the woodwork and chances went abegging.
Ten Hag will be well aware of his record against Spurs which isn't the most impressive since taking over at Old Trafford in July 2022. He oversaw a 2-0 win at home when first metting the north Londoners but has failed to beat them in three goes since that victory.
Manchester United have a good record at home to Tottenham, last losing on home soil in August 2020 in a 6-1 loss after Anthony Martial was sent off. The Red Devils won't want a similar afternoon come Sunday.
Manchester United Expected XI vs. Tottenham
Predicted Manchester United XI: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Mainoo, Ugarte, Fernandes; Amad, Zirkzee, Rashford
Ten Hag has a decision to make regarding what forward line he fields against Spurs following the return of Rasmus Hojlund. The Danish frontman has returned from a hamstring injury and came off the bench against Palace and Twente.
Manchester United have struggled for goals this season and Hojlund could be chomping at the bit to lead the line this Sunday. He might have trouble displacing Joshua Zirkzee who although he's not firing in the goals, is linking up with the likes of Rashford and Amad well.
Matthijs de Ligt was rested against Twente but he's been excellent since arriving from Bayern Munich in the summer. He'll likely return to United's XI for the Spurs game and partner Lisandro Martinez in the heart of defense.
Manchester United vs. Tottenham Prediction
Both teams are desperate for all three points to get their top four push going amid concerning starts to the season. The visitors beat Brentford 3-1 last time out so they will be buoyed by that victory and could cause problems at Old Trafford. A draw seems likely given both side's form.
Prediction: 2-2 draw
Where to Watch and Match Details
Match Information: Manchester United vs Tottenham
Location: Old Trafford
When: 29/9/2024
Kick-Off: 16:30 PM GMT
TV: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR
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