Manchester United will be looking to reassert their dominance over Tottenham Hotspur when they visit White Hart Lane on Sunday.
The Red Devils had the upper hand in this fixture for decades, but the north Londoners have avoided defeat since they secured a 2-3 victory at Old Trafford in 2012.
United needed a brace from Wayne Rooney to salvage a draw when they last visited White Hart Lane after Kyle Walker opened the scoring from a free-kick by famously fooling United’s wall. The full-back placed his free-kick under the visitors’ jumping wall.
United will not visit Spurs just hoping to just avoid defeat this time. They have an ambitious manager in Louis van Gaal, who is now targeting to exceed the club’s aim of finishing in the top four. Van Gaal is aiming to win the title itself after steering his side to seven wins in their last eight games.
The Dutch manager may be new to the Premier League but he will be aware that every game is a must-win for a team that intends to overhaul Manchester City and Chelsea to claim the ultimate prize.
Tottenham will be boosted by the three wins they collected in their last three games. Those wins pushed Spurs closer to the top four spot as they are now just two points behind fourth-placed Southampton.
Mauricio Pochettino, who has overseen more success on the road with Tottenham, will also know that a win at home against a big side like Manchester United will further endear himself to Spurs’ faithful.
Tottenham Hotspur team news
- Pochettino eased fears over Hugo Lloris’s fitness by confirming the France goalkeeper was unharmed after a collision with Leicester striker Jamie Vardy.
- After Ryan Mason appeared unscathed from the bench against the Foxes on Boxing Day, Spurs have been left without any injury concerns.
Manchester United team news
- Daley Blind, Jesse Lingard, Tom Thorpe, Marouane Fellaini, Marcos Rojo and Adnan Januzaj are all sidelined for this game.
- The extent of Angel Di Maria’s pelvic injury remains unclear, while Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw have a chance of returning.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Man Utd Prediction
Pochettino is expected to keep faith in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Harry Kane leading the attack as the centre forward, while Nacer Chadli and Erik Lamela flank Christian Eriksen as the attacking midfield trio.
United should stick to their 3-5-2 formation, with Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata operating as central midfielders ahead of Michael Carrick, while James Wilson and possibly Robin Van Persie will lead the attack.
Right wing-back Antonio Valencia had not been offering a lot going forward compared to Ashley Young so Van Gaal could turn to Rafael Da Silva instead here. The other possible change could see Chris Smalling replace Paddy McNair at the back.
Spurs have goals and energy in their front-four to impose their high pressing game and cause United’s defence problems, but Van Gaal’s side also have Van Persie, Mata and Rooney in good goalscoring form so this game promises goals but with no clear favourites.
