Manchester United look to return to winning ways in their penultimate Big Six encounter before the World Cup as they host Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow. United drew in a frustrating and controversial draw with Newcastle in which United could have had two penalties and a goal awarded if not for poor referreeing decisions. United also missed numerous chances and lacked composure in the final third. Spurs are performing excellently this season and have only lost once this season in the North London Derby.

Tottenham are currently third in the league and seven points behind United but Ten Hag’s men have a game in hand and a win would put them in distance of the Top Four. That’s easier said than done with Spurs only losing once this season so far. They are looking dangerous in attack and equally resilient at the back. United, with their injuries, look a tad more vulnerable and will have to be at their best to beat the Lilly Whites. Here’s all you need to know:

Manchester United vs Tottenham Match Information:

Teams: Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur
Date: Wednesday 19th October 2022
KO Time: 20:15 GMT
Stadium: Old Trafford
Managers: Erik ten Hag and Antonio Conte
Referee: Simon Hooper

Team News:

Manchester United

Manchester United a guaranteed to be without Axel Tuanzebe, Brandon Williams and Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the foreseeable future. Harry Maguire, Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial returned to training but are not ready to play yet. Scott McTominay and Martin Dubravka are available from suspension and ineligibility respectively. Christian Eriksen amy feature if he recovers from illness before tomorrow.

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham are without Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski for the time being and will be lacking with forward options other than Son and Kane. Lucas Moura may get a chance to start but it is likely that Yves Bissouma starts in midfield. Emerson Royal is serving his last game of suspension as Matt Doherty is likely to remain in the side.

Interesting Facts:

• Manchester United have won their last three games in a row against Spurs. In each one they have scored three goals (3-1, 3-0 and 3-2 respectively). Cristiano Ronaldo has four of those nine goals.
• If Manchester United win against Tottenham it will be their third win over the Big 6 this season – the same number United recorded in the whole of last season (P10 W3 D2 L5) and one more than the season before! (P10 W2 D5 L3)
• Manchester United recorded their first home clean sheet of the Premier League campaign. They have not kept back to back clean sheets at Old Trafford since February 2022.

Predicted XI vs Tottenham:

I expect not many changes at the back. Varane and Martinez impressed defensively and that’s just what United need with Kane and Son. Casemiro should keep his place but Fred has to make way after a frustrating performance as McTominay should return. Bruno was somehow scapegoated for the performance but will be crucial for any result tomorrow. As will a front three of Rashford, Sancho and Antony. United will not have as much possession and so the pace on the counter and relentless energy and pressing in key areas will be crucial.

Predicted Xi (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, McTominay; Antony, Fernandes, Sancho; Rashford

Predicted Score:

On the counter United will cause Spurs problems. It’s just whether they can weather the storm. Spurs will score. It’s rare when they don’t and United have to make their attacks count – which they haven’t. I expect a nervy game but not one that ends with a winner.

United to draw 1-1