A rejuvenated Manchester United host Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford in a key Premier League fixture on Saturday.
While United’s form under interim manager Michael Carrick has seen a dramatic upturn, Tottenham have shown some green shoots of their own lately and despite a lengthy injury list, will hope to build one some progressive performances of late.
Kick-off is at 12.30pm with the clash being broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs Man Utd
Tottenham (3-4-3): Vicario; Palhinha, Romero, Van de Ven; Spence, Bissouma, Gallagher, Udogie; Simons, Odobert, Solanke
Thomas Frank has reverted to a back three in recent weeks and although that could mean a few players needing to play out of position, it’s a case of needs must for this injury-stricken Spurs squad.
Tottenham team news vs Man Utd
Cristian Romero’s comments following Tottenham’s match against Manchester City last week regarding the amount of players currently unavailable for the North London club have garnered plenty of attention.
But it’s clear to see why frustrations are running high on this front. Romero was withdrawn during that 2-2 draw with illness but has been passed as fit to play this weekend as has his regular centre-back partner Micky van de Ven who also missed out in that game.
Djed Spence is expected to pass a late fitness test and be included in the squad, but defensively Spurs will remain without Pedro Porro, Kevin Danso and Ben Davies who are all set for lengthy absences.
The injury list doesn’t ease in midfield either – Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison remain out having not played a minute this season. They’re now joined in the treatment room by Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur, neither of whom will return until April.
Dominic Solanke’s return has been a real positive for Thomas Frank and despite some fitness issues he will likely start again here as Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison also continue to miss out.
Tote sign-up offer: Bet £10, get £30 in free bets
Not signed up to Tote yet? Here's how eligible readers* can take advantage of their welcome offer:
- Open an account at Tote using this link.
- Use code B10G40 on registration.
- Deposit and place a £10 bet on sports or racing at 1/1 or greater.
- When it settles, unlock £30 in free bets
#AD 18+ New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Bet min of £/€10 at odds of 1/1 (2.0) or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £/€10 Win + £/€10 Place) within 7 days of registration. Receive £/€20 Tote Credit and £/€10 Free Sports Bet. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool or sports bet added to the bet slip. 7-day expiry. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org.
Spurs out to build on encouraging week
It’s not been an easy season to be a Tottenham Hotspur fan. The club sit in 14th place in the league and once again find themselves in the midst of an injury crisis with no wins in their last seven Premier League outings you’d be forgiven for not feeling particularly optimistic as a Spurs supporter right now.
However, last week was one of the most encouraging in quite some time as Tottenham secured 4th place in the league phase of the Champions League thanks to a terrific away win at Eintracht Frankfurt and they followed that up with a hard-fought home draw against second-placed Manchester City in the league.
Dominic Solanke’s two goals including an excellent intuitive strike to bring the game level gave Spurs fans hope that they now have an attacking focal point to draw upon and the ex-Bournemouth man’s return seems to have given Xavi Simons a new lease of life to boot.
The Dutchman enjoyed arguably his best performance in a Spurs shirt so far in that draw against the Citizens, assisting Solanke’s first goal while completing five dribbles and four key passes. The 22 year old finally seems to be settling to the rhythm of the Premier League and will be called upon again at Old Trafford this weekend.
While key creative players like James Maddison, Dejan Kulusveski and Mohammed Kudus are nowhere near returning to the side, pressure will be on Simons to provide chances for Solanke again this weekend and in the coming months.