Red Devils test for Redknapp’s Lilywhites

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United

White Hart Lane

 v

It is fifth against second as Tottenham entertain Manchester United at White Hart Lane. On their previous 83 encounters at Spurs, the Lilywhites have won 31 games with the Red Devils snapping at their heels with 24 wins while both sides have shared the spoils in 28 games. The Red Devils won the reverse fixture in October 2-0 remembered most for Luis Nani’s controversial goal. United won last season’s corresponding fixture 3-1; Jermain Defoe put the host ahead within a minute of kick-off and that was the kick-in-the-teeth United needed as goals from Ryan Giggs, Anderson and Wayne Rooney in the 25^th, 41^st, and 78^th minutes respectively ensured maximum points for United despite finishing the game with ten men after Paul Scholes received his marching orders in the 59^th minute. This fixture has traditionally produced goals and this weekend’s fixture won’t be an exception given the attacking prowess of both sides. Oh lest I forget, with some controversy thrown in, this game is sure to be a cracker. It is just under ten years since Spurs recorded a win of any kind over United; the Lilywhites beat United in the league 3-1 in May 2001. United have taken more points off Tottenham than any other club in the history of the premier league.

Both sides had contrasting fortunes in their last Premier League fixtures; while United enjoyed a 2-1 win at home to Stoke City, Tottenham suffered a 1-2 loss at Everton. With both sides safely through to the fourth round of the FA Cup, attention now shifts to the premier league.

The Lilywhites last home game was a 1-0 win over Fulham on New Year’s Day; in 11 league games at WHL Spurs have won six, drawn four and lost one. United on the other hand are still unbeaten in 20 league games, the Red Devils claimed a 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns in their last league game on the road.

United remains the only unbeaten side in England and that record will be put to a stern test at White Hart Lane. Manchester City’s 4-3 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday put the Blue half of Manchester on top of the league table and United will be looking to regain top spot win a win on Sunday. With Chelsea climbing into fourth position after victory over Blackburn on Saturday, Spurs can ill-afford to lose this game as the scramble for next season’s European football heats up!

Men to Watch

Rafael Van der Vaart has been a revelation so far for the North London club and with a knack for scoring vital goals at WHL; I won’t rule the Dutchman out of the goals on Sunday. He will be a major threat from set pieces and with two good feet he will be a source of worry for United’s defenders.

Gareth Bale has gone off the boil lately but the wing-back cum winger has been consistent in his performance for Spurs. It will be interesting to see who Bale comes up against in the United right-back position. His speed and trickery will definitely cause the Red Devils sleepless nights at the back.

Jermain Defoe will be looking to make up for lost time after serving a three-match ban for a straight red. The diminutive striker notched two goals in the FA Cup against Charlton last Sunday and will be inspired by his brace for this game.

 Defoe……game on!

Wayne Rooney has finally scored from open play after nine months and the striker is set to be recalled to United’s starting line-up after being rested for the league game against Stoke City and the FA Cup win against Liverpool. The striker will be looking to improve his goal tally this season at WHL.

The mercurial Dimitar Berbatov will be facing his former side on Sunday. The Bulgarian’s form this season has at times been simply sublime while simply dismal in others. Berbatov’s great ball control and eye for goal will be vital to United’s success at White Hart Lane.

 Will he celebrate at the Lane?

Just back from an injury lay-off, Luis Nani will be kept under surveillance after his controversial goal in the reverse fixture early this season. The winger has added the goal-scoring element to his game and he is not shy to take on defenders and shoot at goal from long range.

My Match of the Week Prediction

Given the importance of this game, both sides may go into it on a cautious note. Harry Redknapp’s team have been attacking all season and will have to up the ante if they are to secure a vital win on Sunday. United are still unbeaten after 20 games and Sir Alex Ferguson’s side seem to get results despite playing below par. Ferguson has touted Spurs as potential contenders for the title and Spurs mettle will be tested against a resilient United side. Given the attacking prowess of both sides, I envisage goals in this fixture.

Both sides will be looking to reclaim lost ground in this game. While United want to return to the top of the pack, Spurs will be aiming to reclaim fourth spot from London rivals Chelsea.

With the added incentive of Manchester City above them in the league standing, United will carry the day. United have not been too tidy at the back this season and I think they will concede at WHL but will claim maximum points.

Spurs 1-3 United