Man Utd v Tottenham – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Manchester United host Both sides have two wins, two losses, and one draw in the league so far this season. Tottenham have lost four of their last seven matches against Man Utd.

Man Utd Form

United continue to show inconsistent form. They scored late to beat Fulham 1-0 on the opening day before suffering successive losses. A very late goal saw them lose 2-1 to Brighton, followed by a 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool, where they conceded six ‘big chances.’ A 3-0 win at Southampton restored some confidence, despite needing Southampton to miss a penalty at 0-0.

A 7-0 thrashing of lower-league Barnsley in the Carabao Cup was supposed to act as a springboard, but two successive draws followed. United missed five ‘big chances’ in a 0-0 draw away at Crystal Palace last weekend before surrendering a 1-0 lead on Thursday against FC Twente. Despite outshooting the Dutch side 19-7, they could only manage a 1-1 draw.

Man Utd Team News

United have four players missing for this match. Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are both out at left-back. Central defenders Victor Lindelof and Leny Yoro are also ruled out.

Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Alejandro Garnacho all had full or partial rests against FC Twente and are expected to return to the starting XI. Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, and Manuel Ugarte are competing for one spot in the lineup.

Man Utd Motivation

The Red Devils will be aiming for a win in this match. A draw would be a poor result and could increase pressure on the coach.

It’s unclear whether they will attack aggressively or play more cautiously, using transitions through their pacey wingers.

Tottenham Form

After a poor end to last season—five losses in their final seven league matches—Spurs have made an average start to this campaign. They drew 1-1 at Leicester in the first round after leading 1-0, before a convincing 4-0 home win over Everton. A 2-1 loss at Newcastle followed, despite having 20 shots.

Tottenham then lost 1-0 at home to Arsenal, failing to score from 15 attempts. However, they have since picked up with three consecutive victories. Two late goals secured a 2-1 win at Coventry in the Carabao Cup, followed by a dominant 3-1 league win over Brentford (23 shots, 3.52 xG, seven ‘big chances’). Despite playing 82 minutes with ten men in their last match, they still beat Qarabag 3-0 in the Europa League.

Tottenham Team News

Richarlison and Wilson Odobert are both expected to miss this match due to injuries. Heung-Min Son is suffering from muscle fatigue but should be available to start.

Cristian Romero and James Maddison were rested on Thursday and will start. Rodrigo Bentancur only played 20 minutes against Qarabag and is set to start while his punishment for a racial slur is finalized.

Tottenham Motivation

Ange Postecoglou is unlikely to deviate from his usual attacking style against Man Utd. Expect Spurs to focus on quick counter-attacks and ball retention.

Tottenham won’t settle for a draw, even though it might be considered a decent result on paper.

Key Stats

Man Utd have won 4 of their last 7 matches against Tottenham

Man Utd have lost 3 of their last 9 home EPL matches (13 goals conceded)

Tottenham have won their last 3 matches in all competitions.

Tottenham’s Brennan Johnson has scored in his last 3 matches

Spurs have just 1 win in their last 8 away EPL fixtures (4 losses in the last 6)

Verdict

Tottenham have struggled on the road but appear to be in good form right now. Man Utd tend to win this fixture, but their form is inconsistent. Any of the three results is possible, but the hosts may have just enough to secure a win.