Manchester United Vs Tottenham Hotspur – Preview and team news as reds look to regain top spot

By Dan Salisbury-Jones.

Tottenham Hotspur are today’s visitors to Old Trafford, as United look capitalise on the damage done to Chelsea’s title bid by Harry Redknapp’s side last weekend.

Spurs have certainly left their mark on this year’s title race in the past week, not only by beating Chelsea on Sunday but also taking glee in all but killing off Arsenal’s challenge just a few days before.

Those victories were all the more remarkable given Tottenham’s record against top four sides.  They hadn’t beat Arsenal in the league since 1999 and despite an improved run against the Blues they went down 3-0 at Stamford Bridge earlier this season.

The Lilywhites’ trips to M16 have born even less fruit, in fact Spurs haven’t won at Old Trafford since the inception of the Premier League, avoiding defeat just 3 times in the process.

They have come close once or twice though, probably most controversially in a 0-0 draw in 2005, a game which would have been one of the most forgettable, until a 50 yard effort from Pedro Mendes was spilled behind his own goal line by Roy Carroll, who then clawed it out. The linesman though decided to not give the goal to the amazement of everyone else watching.

In the treble winning season of 1999, the North Londoners gave United a scare on the final day of the Premier League season when Les Ferdinand gave them an unscripted lead. Tottenham surrendered that lead though strangely to the delight of many of their fans, not because United then won the league but because it stopped their arch rivals Arsenal winning it.

United also came back to win from a losing position last season, emphatically turning a 2-0 deficit into a 5-2 victory. That result included a brace each for Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney with ex-Tottenham man Dimitar Berbatov rounding off the scoring.

Tottenham have never come to Old Trafford with such high expectations as this season though, especially off the back of their last 2 games. A combination of those results and Paul Scholes’ last minute winner against Man City last week have reinvigorated Spurs’ season, it looked like another disappointment after defeat in the FA Cup semi final followed a damaging loss away at Sunderland.
But now Harry Redknapp’s side are neck and neck with City for that elusive final Champions League spot.

United have been boosted this week by the news that defensive duo Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown have been declared fit, the latter has been out since March after breaking his metatarsal. Talisman, Wayne Rooney is fit and should start.

United will however still be without long term absentees; Michael Owen, Anderson and Danny Welbeck.

The major team news for Spurs is the inclusion of Aaron Lennon in their squad, Harry Redknapp suggested he will not start but could well feature.

Another maior boost for Spurs is the availability of Wilson Palacios, who returns after a 3 match ban. That coupled with Ledley King’s probable start should help the Lilywhites difficult to score against.

Jermaine Jenas is looking for a return to 1st team action after completing 45 minutes for the reserves on Tuesday, however the feeling seems to be he will unlikely be involved.

Spurs are also without long term absentees Jonathan Woodgate and Carlo Cudicini.

Tottenham have many threats going forward, in recent weeks though it has been Welshman Gareth Bale who has caught the eye and either Gary Neville, Rafael or Wes Brown at right back will have to be on form to quell the ability of his left foot.

The Express believe Bale is a United target in the Summer and have suggested it will involve a £20 million price tag to prize him away from White Hart Lane.
Another Spurs man in form is Goalkeeper Heurelho Gomez, the Brazilian seems to have finally settled in to English football and has been making some remarkable saves of late. He is a character though that can also cost Tottenham goals, his performance today could be critical.

So the title race continues, the race for 4th also continues and Old Trafford takes centre stage today in the most dramatic of races for both prizes. It is set to be a truly exhilarating game of football, with both sides full of confidence and attacking flair, with more than plenty to play for.

Chelsea are in action on Sunday against Tony Pulis’ Stoke City at Stamford Bridge, kicking off at 4pm. Arsenal sandwich United and Chelsea’s fixtures with the Saturday evening match against Man City.

Here at football-talk as always we want to hear your views, so let us know what you think! Can United win their 4th straight title? What are your predictions for the game today? Should Sir Alex invest in Bale?