Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker:
Looking to make a heavyweight Premier League statement on Sunday afternoon, Tottenham will travel to Old Trafford when they meet Manchester United.
Manchester United
Starting with the hosts, while Manchester United might have extended on their FA Cup adventure earlier in the week as they secured a 2-0 victory away at League One outfit Wigan, Erik ten Hag still finds mounting pressure on his shoulders. Coming under a huge amount of scrutiny last month as they came crashing out of the Champions League, the former Ajax boss is desperate for some much-needed stability. Signing off 2023 with another worrying display as they slumped to a 2-1 loss at the hands of Nottingham Forest, United have won just a pair of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. With their extended issues underlined by an infamous 3-0 drumming at home against Bournemouth on December 9th, ten Hag’s side have also gained a reputation for their rather glaring defensive issues. Facing a real uphill battle in their bid to punch another top-four finish, the Reds face a real must-win battle here.
Team News
In what could prove to be a huge boost for Manchester United this weekend, ten Hag’s side are hopeful that England international Luke Shaw could make a timely return here. However, while the Reds might also be optimistic that Harry Maguire could play some part on Sunday afternoon, Mason Mount is not expected to feature.
Likewise, Man United have already confirmed that the duo of Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez are still dealing with respective injury issues. Despite notching just a single Premier League strike, Rasmus Hojlund should once again spearhead ten Hag’s attack.
Tottenham
As for the visitors, although Tottenham might have missed out on the chance to book any kind of European ticket last season, Spurs have continued to shine since they appointed Ange Postecoglou over the summer. With their sights firmly set on securing a Champions League return, the former Celtic boss has seen his squad gain a string of plaudits for their new dynamic approach. Extending on their FA Cup adventure last week as they secured a 1-0 victory at home against Burnley, the Lilywhites have won five of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Smelling the chance to make another statement of intent here, Tottenham will certainly be excited by their most recent showdown against Sunday’s hosts. Claiming a 2-0 win when they welcomed Manchester United to north London back on August 19th, Postecoglou will be calling on a repeat performance this weekend.
Team News
Arriving from Spanish outfit Genoa earlier in the week for a fee of £26million, Radu Dragusin could make his Tottenham debut here. However, away with South Korea at this month’s Asian Cup, Spurs will be unable to call upon attacking talisman Heung-Min Son on Sunday afternoon.
While Dutch defender Micky van de Ven might have not featured since the start of November after sustaining a hamstring blow, the former Wolfsburg star could play some part at Old Trafford. Cristian Romero and James Maddison will remain on the sidelines and will not travel to Manchester this weekend.
Key Factors to Consider
