Tottenham Hotspur V Manchester United

Tottenham Hotspur V Manchester United

Kick-Off: Saturday 12^th September – 17:30 GMT

Venue: White Hart Lane

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 2nd

Recent Form: WWWW

Tottenham, revitalised under Harry Redknapp, aim to record their second success over one of the ‘Top Four’ by beating Manchester United at White Hart Lane in Saturday’s live encounter. London was were Tottenham beat Liverpool on the opening day of this season, last seasons runner’s-up, beating the ‘reds’ 2-1 at White Hart Lane. Now, it’s the ‘Red Devils’ who come to town but Tottenham remain unbeaten, actually, Tottenham have kept their winning start in tact, winning all four of their opening league games, and United will certainly need to have their wits about them if they’re to overcome a dangerous and inform Tottenham side.

Tottenham are one of the inform sides, that goes without saying. However, although they may have four wins under their belts, they are still flaunting their biggest weakness for all to see and that’s in their defence. With Ledley King constantly in-and-out the team like a yo-yo and Johnthan Woodgate still unavailable, Tottenham’s back four lacks any cohesion. Spurs have yet to keep their first clean sheet in the Premiership, with three of their victories coming by a 2-1 scoreline.

Harry Redknapp will have a handful of his first team on the way back from internationals and he will be desperately hoping none of his key players come back with any knocks. Jermaine Defoe, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Robbie Keane and others, were all involved in midweek, giving some players just three days to recover.

Manchester United

League Position: 3rd

Recent Form: WLWW

Unlike their opponents, United do not boast a 100% record, in fact, United can’t even say they are still undefeated after losing at Burnley in just their second outing. However, like all good champions do, United stormed back into contention, and form, by smashing Wigan 5-1. United then followed that fine result up with a hard fought 2-1 victory at home to Arsenal. Both those results should of given United a huge confidence boost but internationals came at just the wrong time for Sir Alex Ferguson and he’ll be hoping his team still has the momentum heading into such a tricky away fixture. 

United have recovered extremely well since their 1-0 demise at Burnley. Two victories followed that hugely disappointing result and were it not for the international break, United could and probably should have been very strong favourites to win this match. However, it has given both sets of players time to refocus and this could be an even playing field as we don’t think there is too much between the two in terms of what’s now available at the clubs.

This maybe a tough fixture on paper, but United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, won’t have any ambitions of taking a point back to Old Trafford. United already find themselves having to play catchup so only a win will do here as United aim to keep up with high firing Chelsea. Expect a ferocious start from United, especially as all the focus will now be on Tottenham after their immaculate start to the campaign.

Head-to-Head:

Tottenham W: 0 Man Utd W: 6 Draws: 4

If the head-to-head record between the two is anything to go by, Tottenham are in for one rough ride at White Hart Lane. You have to stretch back nearly nine years for Tottenham’s last success against United at White Hart Lane. Back in the 2000/2001 season, Tottenham recorded a rare 3-1 victory over United, however, United have won on five of their last eight visits to White Hart Lane, a superb record which does make us doubts Tottenham’s credentials in this game.

Over 2.5 Goals: 5 Under 2.5 Goals: 5

It’s pretty even in terms of goals, although, just two of the last five encounters at White Hart Lane have produced three of more goals, with the last two ending in low scoring draws. The pair played out a 0-0 draw the last time these two met in London.

Match Verdict: DRAW – 12/5 Bet365

We will, unfortunately, sit on the fence with this one and predict another draw. The last two meetings at White Hart Lane have both finished in low scoring draws, 0-0 last season and 1-1 the season before. Tottenham have made a tremendous start to the season but United have started to come into their own, also. Both are inform and we expect the pair to cancel each other out as no one will want to lose. However, we do feel  that United could win this if they really took the game to Spurs as Tottenham still lack quality at the back.

Match Odds:

Tottenham Hotspur – 9/4 PaddyPower

Manchester United – 11/8 BlueSquare

Draw – 12/5 Bet365

SoccerBetting Tip: Draw / Draw (HT/FT Betting) – 9/2 SkyBet