The classic involving Tottenham and Manchester United will close on Wednesday, January 31, the twenty-fifth round of the English Premier League in its 2017/2018 edition. Starting at 18h (GMT), the game will be held at Wembley Stadium in London.
Tottenham’s recent performance
It will be the return of Tottenham to his provisional home – while his new stadium is not complemented – after two draws followed as a visitor. In the first, by the English Championship, tied with Southampton. Then, for the FA Cup, against Newport, of the Fourth Division.
Both compromised the team. The stumble in the Premier League prevented the team from getting closer to their goals. With 45 points (13 wins, six draws and five losses), he ranks fifth. It is outside the classification zone for the Champions League of Europe.
In the England Cup, the possibility of advancing still exists and is quite large. The draw led to the replay being held at Wembley. However, it ends up including an extra commitment in an already packed schedule of matches. Tottenham will meet Newport again on February 7, three days before the classic against Arsenal and a week before the match against Juventus, which opens the clash between them for a place in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
The recent stumbling blocks, however, are not the only factors that are giving headaches to coach Maurício Pochettino. He has to deal with a number of medical problems. They are in treatment of injuries the titular goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (22 games in English Championship 2017/2018); defenders Toby Alderweireld (ten games without a goal), Serge Aurie (12 games, one goal) and Danny Rose (five games, no goal); and Christian Eriksen (23 matches, six goals), Erik Lamela (11 matches, no goal) and Harry Winks (16 matches, no goal).
The classic may even cause one or more athletes in that group to anticipate their return to the field. But this will depend on performing new exams. Tottenham have not lost eight games (five wins and three draws).
The current form of Manchester United
United played earlier in the FA Cup and secured their qualification without major problems. Also against a team of the Fourth Division, Yeovil, thrashed 4-0 at the home of the rival and continues in the fight for the title of the competition.
The match, which was held on Friday, January 26, increased to five the club’s winning streak. Three of them were in the English Premier League, where United are 53 points (16 wins, 5 draws and 3 losses).
In the duel against Yeovil, United made debut the Chilean striker Aléxis Sanchez, hired with Arsenal. He took part in 60 minutes and is expected to qualify for the classic, although Marcus Rashford (24 games in English Premier League 2017/2018, four goals) has scored in his first appearance in the FA Cup match at the time of Sanchez.
Out of action are defender Eric Bertrand Bailly (eight games, one goal), midfielder Daley Blind (five games, no goal) and striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic (five games, no goal). They are injured and should not be released for the match.
History of matches between Tottenham and Manchester United
In the last four editions of the classic who acted at home took the best. The duel has not registered a draw since 2014.
Tottenham need more victory than United, who would retain the vice-leadership even with the draw. As the Reds have in their command the Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, a specialist in defensive systems, equality becomes the best option for guess. Has a price of 3.30 in Bet365. Londoners win 2.35 and visitors earn 3.40. Prices valid at 13:42 on 1/29/2018.