This is not the best time for Manchester United to be facing Tottenham as their injury concerns continue. At the time of writing Wayne Rooney, Rafael, Phil Jones, and Robin van Persie are all listed as injured and most likely not available. With that said, there is always the chance that any one of them could be ready. The Red Devils are coming in to the New Year having moved up to sixth place with 34 points (level with Tottenham) and have won their last six matches in all competitions including their last four in the Premier League.
Tottenham’s 3-0 win over Stoke City on Sunday was a good sign for them and means that they have gone unbeaten in their last three matches over the holiday period. This also coincides with Tim Sherwood’s appointment as manager. In their last three away matches in the Premier League Spurs have scored at least two goals per game and have won in all three.
What to expect
Manchester United will certainly struggle without Rooney as well as missing Rafael, who has been crucial at the back and offering options going forward. The return of Michael Carrick along with Darren Fletcher is good news for them and means an increased stability in the center of the pitch.
Manchester United have won their last 4 games in a row to take them up to sixth in the table and only 3 points off fourth. Only goal difference separates them from Tottenham, though, and they still need another win here.
David Moyes will hope to have Wayne Rooney back after the striker missed the win at Norwich with a groin injury. Robin van Persie stands a chance of making his return to action after a thigh injury. Danny Welbeck should lead the line though, hoping to continue his good run of form.
Tottenham look likely to still be without Younes Kaboul, Sandro, Andros Townsend, Jan Vertonghen. This wasn’t a big issue against Stoke City, but Manchester United is a much different opponent. They have a great chance to dominate the midfield, but could struggle to create scoring opportunities.
Spurs, meanwhile, have bounced back from the hiding they were given by Liverpool with two wins and a draw, and 7 goals scored.
Spurs have Kyle Walker back from suspension and he should start at right-back. Tim Sherwood could be tempted into fielding a similar team to that which stormed past Stoke last time out. Danny Rose missed that game but could be back in action at Old Trafford.
Predicted Starting Line-Ups
Match Prediction
Spurs won at Old Trafford last season for the first time in years, and will thus have some hope of another victory this time too. However, United seem to be hitting some form, and Spurs have struggled for goals this season, particularly against top teams and that could be the case again here.
Manchester United 2-1 Tottenham Hotspurs