Manchester United host fellow top four candidates Tottenham Hotspur tonight in what is expected to be a nail-biting affair. Although this is one of the biggest matches in the Premier League calendar, the attention will be on former United manager Jose Mourinho who will be in the opposite dugout as Spurs manager. United continue to struggle while Spurs are experiencing a revival since Mourinho took over two weeks ago. Here’s the Big Game Focus with some betting tips. Bet on this game here.
Manchester United have endured a poor start to the season and find themselves ninth in the table after just four wins from 14 games. Their poor start was compounded by a disappointing 2-2 draw against Aston Villa this past weekend. With no wins in their last three matches in all competitions, Red Devils’ manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under pressure to turn things around. Can they inflict defeat on their former manager?
Spurs too have made a dismal start to their campaign, which resulted in the sacking of Mauricio Pochettino last month. Since Pochettino’s sacking, the London club have endured a reversal of fortunes, winning three straight matches in all competitions under the newly appointed coach, Mourinho. With two league wins under the Portuguese, Spurs are now fifth in the table. Mourinho will want to beat his former employer and pile more misery on them.
Betting preview
United have a decent home record in the Premier League. They have lost just three matches since August 2018. Spurs have failed to win their last nine league meetings with the traditional Big Six. They have one away win in the league since February. The visitors have only won twice in their last six visits to Old Trafford while losing four of those games. The hosts have also drawn three of their last four league matches. For that reason, you can back a Home Double Chance at odds of 1.50.
Both Manchester United and Tottenham have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last nine Premier League games. Both teams have scored in nine of United’s 14 league games this season and in 11 of Spurs’ 14 fixtures. Therefore, odds of 1.55 for Both Teams to Score look attractive.
United’s last five games in all competitions have seen Over 2.5 Goals while four of Spurs last five games in all competitions have seen three or more goals scored. You can back Over 2.5 Goals in this match at odds of 1.70.
Team news
Scott McTominay might return to midfield for this match, but it will be too soon for Paul Pogba. Nemanja Matic, Eric Bailly and Timothy Fosu-Mensah have all returned to first-team training, but aren’t ready yet. Diogo Dalot, Marcos Rojo and Anthony Martial will miss out due to injury.
Goalkeepers Hugo Lloris and Michel Vorm remain sidelined. Erik Lamela and Ben Davies will also be unavailable due to injury.
Possible line-ups
Manchester United: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, McTominay, Fred, Lingard, James, Pereira, Rashford
Tottenham: Gazzaniga, Aurier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Rose, Ndombele, Winks, Sissoko, Alli, Son, Kane.