Man United vs Tottenham – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Man Utd host Tottenham at Old Trafford on Wednesday night in the English Premier League. These sides are separated by seven points at this stage albeit with Spurs having played one match more. The Red Devils have won the last three meetings between these sides, netting nine goals in the process.

Man United Form

United lost their opening two league matches this season in humiliating fashion, but have been beaten just once in seven Premier League fixtures since then. After four league wins in a row from rounds three to six in a more pragmatic style, they were humbled 6-3 by Man City in the Manchester derby.

They bounced back well in winning 3-2 in Cyprus at Omonia Nicosia before a 2-1 win from behind at an in-form Everton. Erik Ten Hag picked a very strong XI for the return Europa League fixture against Omonia, winning 1-0 at home with Scott McTominay netting the winner in the dying moments. In their last match, they drew 0-0 at home to Newcastle as two clear chances were spurned late in the game.

Man United Team News

Ten Hag has a pretty settled core of players that he chooses from. Raphael Varane returned to start the last match and should be preferred to Victor Lindelof, with Harry Maguire out injured at centre back anyway. Scott McTominay returns from a domestic suspension and should replace Fred alongside Casemiro with Christian Eriksen still doubtful.

In attack, Anthony Martial has had a back injury so it looks set to be one of Cristiano Ronaldo or Marcus Rashford to lead the line. Jadon Sancho and Antony are expected to start in the wide areas. Luke Shaw should keep his place at left back in preference to Tyrell Malacia.

Man United Motivation

United will play to win this match as they look to close the three-point gap to Chelsea in fourth place. Ten Hag’s side have set up to play on the front foot in some games this season but the bigger matches against Liverpool and Arsenal have yielded wins with a more defensive approach.

For this one, United could sit back and allow Spurs to have the ball before springing counter attacks using their wide players and the pace of Rashford.

Tottenham Form

Spurs began this campaign with five wins and two draws in their first seven in all competitions. They then suffered two damaging defeats in their next three, either side of thrashing Leicester 6-2 at home (with Son Heung-min scoring a hattrick off the bench). Those losses included conceding two late goals to lose 2-0 at Sporting Lisbon before a 3-1 North London derby defeat to Arsenal. A dour 0-0 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt followed in the UEFA Champions League.

Antonio Conte has gotten his side back to winning ways with three victories on the bounce. A 1-0 win at Brighton preceded a 3-2 home victory against Eintracht Frankfurt as Son got a brace. Their most recent fixture saw a controlled 2-0 home win against Everton. Tottenham produced 2.0 Expected Goals and allowed the Toffees just four shots in the match.

Tottenham Team News

Conte is without Richarlison due to injury after he went off against his former club, Everton. Dejan Kulusevski was already out injured and isn’t set to return just yet. Those absentees could spark the coach to switch to 3-5-2 with Yves Bissouma slowly starting to work his way into the plans. Son and Harry Kane would play as the front two.

Emerson Royal is out suspended after a red card against Arsenal. Matt Doherty is set to start at right back in preference to Djed Spence. Lucas Moura is fit again after injury to boost options in attack and down the right.

Tottenham Motivation

Conte’s sides rarely play an open game against the top sides. They could actively look to cede possession, which puts them in a difficult position if Man Utd tries to adopt the same strategy.

Spurs are outstanding on the counterattack, making the first goal absolutely key in this match. Tottenham would probably be pretty happy with a draw even though they won’t set up to play for one from the start.

Key Stats

Man Utd have won their last 3 matches against Spurs

Man Utd have scored 9 goals in their last 3 matches against Tottenham

Man Utd have lost 1 of their last 7 PL matches

Spurs have lost just once in 16 PL matches

Tottenham have lost 1 of their last 10 away PL matches

Spurs have scored in 11 of their last 12 away PL matches

Verdict

This should be a good match despite both sides perhaps plumping for a counter-attacking setup. Spurs are not favourites despite their fine recent record and United have shown they know how to beat Tottenham in recent times. I am tipping for there to be goals in this one and a score draw looks to be an outstanding value.

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score at 1.54
Alternative Bet: Score Draw at 4.15
Multiplier Leg: Tottenham win/draw double chance + over 1.5 goals at 2.80
Goalscorer Tip: Kane and Ronaldo to both score anytime at 2.30

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis