Manchester United host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon in what looks set to be a Premier League thriller. Both clubs will be confident that they can pick up three points, however, earlier this season, Spurs defeated the Red Devils 2-0.
Man Utd
Erik ten Hag’s side has been far from their best this season, especially considering the progress made last term. United have lost their identity and look like a bunch of individuals instead of a team, which is reflected by their eighth position in the table.
United’s biggest issue has been in the final third, with Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund, and Antony failing to make an impact. The Red Devils have only scored more than two teams this season, Burnley and Sheffield United, with a tally of 22 from 20 matches. On the other hand, they’re rather solid defensively, conceding 1.35 per game on average, and Andre Onana has the joint most clean sheets in the league.
However, last time out, United beat Wigan 2-0 in the FA Cup, with their lack of confidence on display once again as they missed six big chances. #
Tottenham
Ange Postecoglou has done a remarkable job at Spurs since joining in the summer, and unlike United, everybody knows how his side will play, regardless of the score line, game state, or opponent. Injuries have hindered them as of late, but they still sit fifth, eight points above Ten Hag’s team.
Spurs have been excellent in front of goal, even with James Maddison out with an injury, scoring 2.10 goals per game, which is the fourth highest average in the league. However, they are slightly vulnerable at the back and concede 1.45 goals per game, which is understandable considering the number of injuries they’ve had at the back.
Last time out, Spurs narrowly beat Burnley 1-0 at home thanks to a Pedro Porro wonder strike. But the boss got a glimpse of what his side would look like without their talisman, Heung-min Son.
Verdict?
The absence of the South Korean dramatically changes the threat of Spurs, as highlighted last weekend. If United can remain compact, they will get chances in the game, but then it’s whether they take them or not.
Both sides should have spells of possession, shots, and promising opportunities, and therefore we should see goals.
The final prediction is Man Utd 2-2 Spurs.
