Manchester United vs Tottenham represents the headline act in the Premier League this weekend in a case of second versus third and a team with a perfect home record hosting another with a perfect away record, both taking four wins from four respectively this season.
It looks set to be a tricky and cagey encounter then, with a particularly important three points on the line. But what can history tell us about this fixture, how will the referee influence the match and which team enters the weekend most affected by injury problems?
Football FanCast takes a look at everything you need to know ahead of Saturday’s 12.30pm kickoff…
History of the Fixture
Tottenham fans won’t be too surprised to discover Manchester United have traditionally dominated this fixture throughout the Premier League era, claiming 25 clean sheets from their 50 meetings to date while scoring a whopping 89 goals – that’s resulted in 32 wins, not to mention an 80% win rate at Saturday’s venue, Old Trafford.
But we have seen the balance of power shift significantly in recent years; since Tottenham pulled off their first Premier League victory at Old Trafford in 2012, they’ve claimed more wins than United from the last ten encounters.
Mauricio Pochettino has only overseen two of those, though, compared to one draw and three defeats.
Referee influence – Jonathan Moss
Jonathan Moss’ statistical returns this season don’t particularly favour Tottenham or Manchester United.
On the one hand, a 43% away win bias will encourage the visitors; on the other, the only Red Devils game Moss has officiated this season resulted in a 4-0 win for Jose Mourinho’s boys.
Likewise, while United average more fouls than Tottenham they also produce less tackles, so the fact Moss ranks in the top ten for fouls per tackle and yellow cards this season doesn’t particularly favour or hinder either side.
In fact, the 47-year-old is pretty much mid-table across the board. Moss has a reputation for contentious calls in big games, however, and special attention should be paid to linesman Andy Halliday, who wrongly awarded Chelsea a corner against Watford that Pedro scored a belter from.
Team News
Mourinho enters Saturday’s game without some key personnel but that’s been the case for much of the season, particularly in regards to powerful midfielder Paul Pogba.
While Ander Herrera represents a more than dependable alternative to fall back on, however, the Spaniard and Nemanja Matic may appear a little leggy in the middle of the park, lacking an abundance of protection in front of them and having played a lot of games recently – Matic has made 17 appearances already this term.
The good news, on the other hand, is that Phil Jones and Eric Bailly are expected to return after injury layoffs in a massive boost to United’s defence.
One last remaining point of contention is at left-back – Ashley Young’s been brilliant there this season but Mourinho may go for a more defensive-minded option considering how effective Spurs have been on the counter recently.
The big news from Tottenham’s camp is that Harry Kane will miss Saturday’s game due to injury.
Responsible for 42% of their goals this season, the joint-highest contribution in the league alongside Jamie Vardy, the England international’s absence represents a huge blow for the visitors but Manchester United shouldn’t underestimate Heung-min Son and Fernando Llorente, who offer good form and vast experience respectively.
We’re expecting Tottenham to line up using their more usual 3-4-3 but considering Kane’s absence and their counter-attacking success against Real Madrid and Liverpool, don’t rule out another dose of 5-3-2.
Another uncertainty is the wing-back positions. Pochettino has all four options available to him now, although Danny Rose seems unlikely to start after playing 81 minutes in midweek, so he could bring Ben Davies back in at left wing-back and opt for Sergue Aurier’s power over Kieran Trippier’s guile on the right-hand side.
[ad_pod ]
