Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Both of these sides are neck and neck in the league with seven points each. Two of the last three head-to-head meetings between these sides have ended 2-2, while over 2.5 goals have been scored in four of the last five games of both of these two teams so a high-scoring encounter is definitely on the cards.

Spurs have looked the better side in terms of very recent performances but are winless in their last three visits to Old Trafford, so a draw feels like a logical outcome here. Man Utd 2-2 Tottenham.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur lock horns in the Premier League this weekend as both teams look to gain some much-needed momentum in what has been a turbulent start to their respective campaigns.

• Date: 29/09/2024
• Kick-off time: 16:30
• Location: Old Trafford, Manchester

Currently 11th in the league table, Manchester United have experienced a stuttering start to the season under Erik ten Hag, who has struggled to find the consistency needed to push United into the upper echelons of the Premier League. Despite this, there have been flashes of promise in several recent performances, suggesting that the team could be on the cusp of turning a corner.

One of the brighter spots has been the performance of new signing Joshua Zirkzee. The young forward has added a new dimension to United’s attack, providing a focal point up front while showcasing his ability to link play and maximise the potential of those around him with a high level of technical ability.

Additionally, Marcus Rashford has had a mixed start but appears to be finding his rhythm after what many considered an underwhelming campaign - by his standards - last season. His ability to beat defenders and create scoring opportunities makes him a key asset for United, and if he can maintain his form, and crucially his confidence, he could be pivotal in driving the team up the table.

Despite these positive signs, United have struggled to find a coherent and effective style of play. Ten Hag’s tactical approach has been questioned at times, with the team looking disjointed and lacking the fluidity and defensive solidity required to challenge for the top four. The midfield has been a particular area of concern, with a lack of balance often leaving the defence exposed and the attack isolated. However, a home game against a fellow top four contender presents a chance for United to demonstrate that they are not a stagnant, former force in the division but rather a team on the rise.

Tottenham, who sit just above United in 10th place, have had an equally inconsistent start to their season under manager Ange Postecoglou. The Australian’s second full season in charge has been a rollercoaster, with his once-celebrated style of play now facing scrutiny. A few poor results early on led to accusations of tactical naivety, a far cry from the praise heaped upon Spurs' approach last season, which was often described as bold and courageous.

However, recent performances suggest that Tottenham might be finding their footing. Back-to-back wins, including an impressive attacking display in adverse circumstances, have raised hopes that Postecoglou’s system is beginning to bear fruit. Dominic Solanke, a summer signing, has shown promising signs of becoming the focal point of Tottenham’s attack, and with two goals in his last two outings the former Bournemouth man seems to be growing in confidence and there's every chance he'll play a crucial role in taking Spurs to the next level this season.

Nevertheless, Spurs still have several gears they need to move through to get where they want to be, particularly in defence, where they have looked vulnerable at times. The balance between attack and defence remains an issue, and against a United side with potent attacking options, Postecoglou will need to ensure his team is more disciplined and organised at the back. Spurs’ midfield will also need to be more assertive and cohesive, especially in breaking up United’s play and transitioning effectively into attack.

It's hard not to respect Tottenham's unwavering commitment to playing football "their way", and it's an entertaining way at that, but ultimately Postecoglou will be judged on results and if Spurs don't cement themselves as a clear contender for a top four finish over the next couple of months they could find themselves starting yet another project reset.

This game will be aired live to all subscribed UK viewers on Sky Sports Main Event.

Manchester United Team News:

United will once again be without the services of Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Victor Lindelöf and Tyrell Malacia, all of whom remain on the treatment table.

Marcus Rashford will be hoping he's done enough to earn a place in the starting lineup, while Manuel Ugarte could be given his first league start in a United shirt.

Predicted lineup: Onana; Mazraoui; De Ligt, Martínez, Dalot; Ugarte, Mainoo; Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho; Zirkzee.

Tottenham Team News:

Spurs' only absentees come in the shape of Richarlison and Wilson Odobert, who are bout out injured.

Ange Postecoglou is likely to name a similar team to the one that started the game against Brentford last weekend, if not the exact same XI.

Predicted lineup: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son.

Manchester United's latest game was a 1-1 draw with Dutch side FC Twente in the Europa League. In what was a fairly mediocre performance, Christian Eriksen gave United the lead in the first half before a defensive lapse from the Dane allowed Twente to equalise in the second half, with the game finishing all square.

Prior to that, United drew 0-0 away at Crystal Palace. The first half was one of United's better performances in the Ten Hag era and they should have been ahead at half-time, squandering a number of good opportunities.

The game was a perfect encapsulation of the good and the bad of life under Ten Hag, as a very uninspiring second half showing followed with the Reds lucky to leave with a point after Palace then took it upon themselves to miss chances of their own.

Those results followed a 7-0 win over Barnsley in the EFL Cup, a 3-0 win over Southampton and a 0-3 loss to Liverpool.

Spurs' latest outing saw them beat Qarabag 3-0 in the Europa League. The game was a pretty impressive showing by Spurs who were reduced to ten men after just seven minutes when Radu Drǎguşin dragged down his man to prevent a clear goalscoring opportunity.

That didn't stop Spurs surging to victory though, as Brennan Johnson, Pape Matar Sarr and Dominic Solanke secured a big 3-0 win.

That game was a continuation from last weekend's performance where Tottenham beat Brentford 3-1. In what was arguably Spurs' best performance of the season, Solanke, Johnson and James Maddison sealed an excellent three points for Postecoglou's side to put a stop to a poor run of form.

Before that, Spurs secured a narrow 2-1 win over Coventry City in the EFL Cup which followed defeats against Arsenal (0-1) and Newcastle United (2-1).

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