Manchester United host Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in an enthralling top-four six pointer. With both teams chasing a Champions League berth, this tie could potentially decide who will appear in Europe’s elite competition.
United will look to bounce back from their FA Cup elimination at the hands of Arsenal, keeping their top-four hopes alive by avoiding an upset from another North London opposition.
Team News
Ángel Di María’s red card against will see him miss the crunch tie against Spurs. The struggling Argentine was booked for simulation, and reacted angrily to the decision, pulling the referee’s shirt which saw resulted in his marching orders. Robin van Persie remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury, while Luke Shaw returned from injury against the Gunners. Marcos Rojo faces a late fitness test.
Mauricio Pochettino boast of a clean bill of health, and can select his starting XI from a fully fit squad.
Key Battles
Harry Kane vs Chris Smalling
Perhaps the most crucial battle of the game, Harry Kane will be licking his lips at the prospect of playing against United’s shaky defence. The Englishman is in the form of his life, having netted 16 goal already this season. The 21-year-old has netted against Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, and the Red Devils could well be his next prey.
Wayne Rooney vs Jan Vertonghen
United’s solitary source of threat of late, and will look at their captain again for inspiration. Jan Vertonghen along with young Eric Dier could be troubled buy the 29-year-old’s movement, with the experienced Belgian sharing the additional responsibility.
Christian Eriksen vs Daley Blind
Two former Ajax teammates will face-off against each other on Sunday. Tottenham will rely hugely on the Danish playmaker’s creative forays, while his nine goals mean he is a potent goalscoring option. Daley Blind meanwhile has quite aptly carried out the stabilizer role for Louis van Gaal, and his battle against his former Ajax peer at the middle of the park could prove decisive.
Opta Stats
– Following a run of 17 wins and no defeats in 22 Premier League matches against Tottenham, Manchester United have won none of the last five meetings (D3 L2).
– Spurs are only the third team in the Premier League era to go five league games unbeaten against the Red Devils, after Liverpool (2000-2002) and Blackburn Rovers (2004-2006).
– Similarly, after 26 games without defeat at home to Spurs in all competitions, having won the previous nine in a row, Man Utd have lost their last two home games against Tottenham.
– Harry Kane was named Barclays Player of the Month for February
– Wayne Rooney has scored seven goals in his last eight Premier League starts against Spurs.
– Harry Kane has scored in his last six Premier League away games; only one player in the competition’s history (Robin van Persie, nine in a row) has scored in seven consecutive away games.
Quotes
Louis van Gaal
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal praised his players’ attitude, also being optimistic about his sides’ chances of making it to the top four.
“The players have reacted fantastically in training. They are willing to do everything and are giving their utmost. I’m very pleased with the (players’) reaction & I hope we can show that against Spurs – the first of 10 matches in the rat race.”
“Every game is very important. We must keep the fighting spirit & we have to be more effective in finishing our chances. “I have the same confidence as before,” the Dutchman told reporters.
Mauricio Pochettino
Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino meanwhile emphasized on the winning mentality as the key to success, also confirming no injury concerns.
“All players are fit. It’s difficult to select the squad but this is my job.”
Predicted Line-up’s
Manchester United:
Adnan Januzaj could start in place of Di María on the left, with Antonio Valencia moving further forward. Rafael could return to the fray at right-back.
Tottenham Hotspur:
Tottenham could go unchanged from the side that overcame Queens Park Rangers, with Danny Rose in contention to replace Ben Davies
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Image Courtesy: DailyMail, Telegraph.