Spurs vs Man Utd Preview: Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man & Predicted Score

Tottenham Hotspur welcome Manchester United to White Hart Lane on Sunday afternoon with both sides looking to close the gap at the top of the league.

Spurs head into the game sitting ninth in the table but a win could see them go fifth if other results go in their favour with five of the top eight all in action on Sunday.

Andre Villas-Boas eased the pressure on his head with a 2-0 win away at Tromso in the Europa League on Thursday after last weekends 6-0 humiliation by Manchester City.

Goals have been hard to come by for the north Londoners, with only six goals scored from open play in the league so far this season, and they’ve failed to find the target in any of their last three, so AVB will be desperate to get his attack clicking this weekend.

The Red Devils arrive at the Lane off the back of Wednesday’s impressive 5-0 away win over Bayer Leverkusen which secured their safe passage into the knockout stages of the Champions League.

The Champions will be hoping to get back to winning ways in the league though after being held to a 2-2 draw by Cardiff last Sunday, although the result extended their unbeaten record to 11 games.

Team News

Tottenham boss Villas-Boas made nine changes in midweek with the likes of Hugo Lloris, Kyle Walker, Jan Vertonghen, Paulinho and Sandro all expected to be recalled after being rested against Tromso.

Emmanuel Adebayor is a doubt with a groin injury and he joins Christian Eriksen, Danny Rose and Harry Kane on the sidelines. Vlad Chiriches will hope to retain his place after an excellent display in midweek.

United are sweating on the fitness of Robin van Persie after the Dutchman missed the win over Leverkusen with a groin injury. Shinji Kagawa will be hoping to retain his place after an impressive outing in midweek while Marouane Fellaini could be recalled in midfield after serving his European ban.

Nemanja Vidic and Rafael are both pushing for recalls, although Chris Smalling is likely to retain his place after a superb display last time out.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Wayne Rooney: The striker was key to United’s win in midweek, chipping in with four assists, and he’ll be looked upon as the creative hub for the champions again tomorrow. Spurs will have to keep him quiet if they want to get anything from the game.

Predicted Score

Tottenham 1-1 Man Utd: Spurs simply can’t afford to lose this game if they have any desires about mounting a title challenge and the same could be said for United. In the end, I think we’ll see a closely fought affair that will end in a draw.

What team would you like to see start the game and what’s your score prediction? Share your views below.