Second-placed Spurs will take on fifth-placed Manchester United, as Spurs will try to stay in touch with Leicester at the top of the table, while Manchester United still chase fourth place as Louis van Gaal’s long-term future is under scrutiny.
Spurs were disappointed to draw 1-1 at Anfield against Liverpool last Saturday, and Leicester’s win helped them extend their lead as they look to win their first Premier League title. Spurs have the most clean sheets, and Manchester United have conceded the fewest goals in the league this season, so a tight match will be expected.
However, both sides are in need of three points.
United pulled off a 1-0 victory over middling squad Everton FC at the Old Trafford last Sunday for their second consecutive win. The Red Devils are in a bit of a resurgence lately, winning four of their last six outings, after struggling for the most part of the season. One of the main reasons is van Gaal’s activation of 18-year-old English striker Marcus Rashford, who scored three times in his five appearances in the Premier League so far this season.
Team News
Manchester United
Injuries continue to be a big setback for United manager Van Gaal, and captain Wayne Rooney, who has been out for over two months with a shoulder injury, is not expected to be ready for the trip to White Hart Lane. It’s speculated that Rooney will appear for the U21 squad before rejoining the first team, making April 16th a more likely return date. United will also be missing Bastian Schweinsteiger, Will Keane and Luke Shaw. Defender Phil Jones is listed as doubtful, but after some recent match-time with the U21s, he could be part of the first squad on the 10th.
Tottenham Hotspur
Injures will also be a factor for Tottenham, albeit a smaller one, as they will be missing Clinton N’Jie and Nabil Bentaleb. Jan Vertonghen and Erik Lamela might both return from their respective injuries for the home fixture, though Lamela is listed as doubtful.
Interesting Facts
• Manchester United are unbeaten in 31 of their last 33 games against Spurs in all competitions.
• Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs are yet to score against Manchester United in three meetings.
• Manchester United haven’t lost any of the last 14 Premier League games against Spurs at White Hart Lane, but have drawn six of the last eight (W8 D6).
• Tottenham’s last home win over Manchester United in the league came on the final day of the 2000/01 season when Glenn Hoddle was managing them.
• Harry Kane has netted a league-high 22 goals this season in the top-flight, more than any other Tottenham player has ever managed in a single Premier League campaign.
• The Lilywhites have recovered the most points from losing positions in the top flight in 2015-16 (19).
• The Red Devils have won just two of their last nine away league games (D3 L4).
League Head to Head
15/03/2015 Premier League 2014/2015 Manchester United 3 – 0 Tottenham Hotspur
28/12/2014 Premier League 2014/2015 Tottenham Hotspur 0 – 0 Manchester United
01/01/2014 Premier League 2013/2014 Manchester United 1 – 2 Tottenham Hotspur
01/12/2013 Premier League 2013/2014 Tottenham Hotspur 2 – 2 Manchester United
20/01/2013 Premier League 2012/2013 Tottenham Hotspur 1 – 1 Manchester United
29/09/2012 Premier League 2012/2013 Manchester United 2 – 3 Tottenham Hotspur
Key Players
Manchester United – Anthony Martial
Anthony Martial netted a milestone goal for Manchester United against Everton – and the young Frenchman is closing in on his own club record. Martial scored his 13th of the season and United’s 1,000th home goal in the Premier League when he turned home Tim Fosu-Mensah’s cross to seal a 1-0 win last Sunday.
And the landmark strike means the Frenchman is edging ever nearer to the record for goals scored by Manchester United teenagers in their first full season. Manchester United have a future star on their hands who has impressed hugely since September.
Anthony Martial has been excellent since joining Manchester United from Monaco, and he could set a new goal record in his first season at the club. He would be looking to get closer to that record and being in the brilliant form he has been in off late, he is sure to be a threat for the Spurs on Sunday.
Tottenham Hotspur – Harry Kane
Kane has enjoyed another impressive campaign for Spurs, and heads the race for the Golden Boot after netting 22 times in the league this season. His scoring exploits have turned Tottenham into real title contenders as they trail surprise table-toppers Leicester by seven points with 21 still available.
The England international striker led the line for title-chasing Tottenham and scored five goals in four matches as Mauricio Pochettino’s side tried to keep the pressure on table-topping Leicester. Kane kicked off his goalscoring exploits last month against north London rivals Arsenal, a strike that helped his side secure a point at White Hart Lane.
Fellow England striker Jamie Vardy trails him by three goals and Kane will be hoping he can beat the former non-league star not only to top scorer but also the Premier League title. Tottenham trail the Foxes by seven points ahead of their Sunday game against Manchester United, which provides Kane with the perfect opportunity to lay the foundation for a season dominated by the Spurs!
Prediction
The match is likely to end in a draw. In a tie which could have such huge implications on both these sides’ seasons, there is going to be immense pressure on the players. Neither side can afford anything but a win, so a draw is looking a likely outcome as they could cancel each other out. This result could all but end the title race and could potentially be devastating for United’s hopes of achieving a top four finish.
