Manchester United will be looking for their first win in three Premier League games when they host high-flying Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday in a tie which is likely to have a lasting impact on the title race.
The Red Devils have been slated by their own manager after their humbling loss at Huddersfield Town and while they responded with a mid-week win at Swansea City (Carabao Cup), the Spurs clash will truly test their mettle.
However, things aren’t as rosy with the Lilywhites as they seem.
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Not only is star forward Harry Kane expected to miss out with a hamstring injury, Spurs somehow blew a two-goal lead against West Ham on Wednesday to crash out of the Carabao Cup.
At home, United are yet to drop points this season and a draw seems to be the likely outcome as it is difficult to see them lose two games in a row.
Manchester United
United are still without the services of midfielders Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini and without them, the Red Devils look a far inferior side than they should.
But the they still have plenty of quality in the midfield, especially if one considers Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera are their starters for the moment. The Spaniard in particular, is at a crucial juncture in his career and has to prove to Jose Mourinho that he is capable of a staring spot.
Spurs may be without the services of Kane, but they still have a midfield stocked with talent and one can expect David de Gea to be a busy man on Saturday. While Eric Bailly remains unavailable, there is good news for Mourinho as centre-back Phil Jones is fit and ready to start.
Up top, United have been struggling recently and most of that can be attributed to the fact that Henrikh Mkitaryan’s creativity has been stifled.
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When the Armenian was supplying the lines, United and Romelu Lukaku were firing, but of late their goals have dried up and Jose Mourinho will have to get the midfielder back in his groove if United are to keep pace with City.
Talking Corner: Our fans have to realise that we need them. We need them to beat those top teams, they always help us. Last season, we beat Spurs and the fans were supporting us all the way, so we need it again-Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera (MUTV)
Injury concerns: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (knee), Marco Rojo (knee), Marouane Fellaini (knee), Paul Pogba (hamstring), Michael Carrick (calf) and Eric Bailly ( ).
Suspension Alert: None
Tottenham Hotspur
Mauricio Pochettino has a massive selection dilemma on his hands as he has to decide whether to start Fernando Llorente ( Who is yet to open his Spurs account) or play without a recognised striker.
Flooding the midfield seems like the way to go and the onus will be on the trio of Son Heung-min, Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli to fire Spurs to an invaluable away win.
Considering their record on the road this season, Spurs will approach the tie at The Theatre of Dreams with confidence and while their defence is normally reliable, they cannot afford to be complacent against the likes of Lukaku.
The burly Belgian will be up against compatriots Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld and the defenders will be in for a tough physical battle as they bid to keep the United forward quiet.
Danny Rose has returned to the squad after a lengthy injury absence and the wing-back’s marauding runs could swing the tie in the Lilywhites’ favour.
Talking Corner: It will be a big game, tight, we’ll play our game and we’ll have a great chance. Last week (against Liverpool) was a big game and now it’s another-Spurs winger Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur F.C.)
Injury concerns: Harry Kane (hamstring), Erik Lamela (hip) and Victor Wanyama (knee).
Suspension Alert: None