Sir Alex, like Harry Redknapp, is a staunch supporter of the classic British 4-4-2 formation. In an age of inverted wingers, false nines and deep-lying play-makers, the two old generals often stick two fingers up at the current fashion for 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-2-2-1. But that’s not to suggest that they both reject everything modern. Conventional chalk-on-the-boots wingers such as Aaron Lennon and Antonio Valencia are complemented on the other flanks by Gareth Bale and Ashley Young, who are often given a more roaming brief, cutting infield to let Assou-Ekotto and Evra hit the bylines. Redknapp more often than not, when playing teams up and around their own league position, will favour a 4-4-1-1; with Rafael Van der Vaart playing behind the lone striker.
Kranjcar was Spurs’ standout player in the defeat against Manchester United, but is unlikely to start this time, which is a shame for him. He will make way for his Croatia teammate Luka Modric, who is a very similar type of player, very proficient technically and a creative passer. Scott Parker wasn’t at the club on 22ndAugust, but won’t play in this fixture due to a suspension. Dressing-room karate nutcase Sandro will probably deputize. Harry Redknapp will hope that these two changes in the heart of the team will make a difference to the result, especially as two of Manchester United’s standout players from August, Tom Cleverley and Anderson aren’t both likely to feature.
So, Redknapp and Ferguson are both forced into changes in midfield. The statistics (taken for the season and only percentages used, for fairness to Krancjar and Sandro, who have played fewer games) show that Modric and Sandro are indeed very similar players to Kranjcar and Parker. Sandro’s tackling success rate would arguably put him above Parker in some areas of competency. Kranjcar has got a few games recently on the right of midfield, posing another selection dilemma for Redknapp.
The choices for Redknapp boil down to a few key decisions:
- Start Van der Vaart (if fit) and play a 4-4-1-1, or play Saha and adebayor up top in a 4-4-2?
- Who to partner Kaboul in defence? Kaboul has proved a rock this season, King has played 2 games recently so it could be Dawson.
- Kranjcar or Lennon on the right of midfield?
If both managers decide on a 4-4-2, it could be a classic slug-fest. Games between the top 5 teams in the league have produced an amazing amount of goals this season, and some incredible results – the 5-2 victory for Arsenal from 0-2 down against Spurs being just the latest in a long list of schoolyard scores. Manchester United’s lack of a specialist defensive midfielder and the potential absence of Chris Smalling will be a worry to the Reds, in addition to the continued absence of Vidic, and the gradual decline of Rio Ferdinand.
Spurs haven’t won against Manchester United since May 2001, a run of 25 games, and are now in a patch of dodgy form (W2, D2, L2 of their last 6 games), but this is football. There are so many factors outside of the pitch that may come into play today. Will Spurs be dejected following their humbling against North London foes Arsenal, or will they come out bristling with energy, keen to put things right? Will the uncertainty over Redknapp’s future affect Spurs’ mentality? Will Luka Modric, who was dropped for the away game in August because of transfer speculation, step up to the plate? Will he consider this game a shop window?
