Apr 24
Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur: Preview
The twists and turns of the Premier League continue and thanks to the ‘Ginger Ninja’ Paul Scholes Manchester United are still in the title hunt, but credit must also go to this weeks visitors Tottenham Hotspur, who travel to Old Trafford as conquerors of Chelsea, thus reigniting the title race.
This game is of monumental importance to both clubs, United have to win to keep pace with Chelsea and Spurs need to win to make sure Manchester City don’t overtake them in the race for fourth. It promises to be an effervescent affair.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was full of praise during his Friday press conference, “I think this is the best Tottenham team in my time at United,” Sir Alex said. “When I came here they had Glenn Hoddle, Chris Waddle and Clive Allen, but this team has a lot of substance to it. He’s done a great job, Harry.“
Going into the match United have no new injury worries, in fact, Rio Ferdinand has recovered from a groin strain and Wes Brown from a foot injury. Ferdinand should partner Nemanja Vidic in the centre of defence, with Patrice Evra on the left. But there is a question mark over who will face off against Gareth Bale?
Will Fergie go with the experience of Gary Neville to combat the searing pace of Bale? Or will he opt for the sturdy John O’Shea? Or will youth get a chance in the shape of Rafael? Not to mention the fit again Wes Brown.
As United need three points, a four-man midfield will more than likely be used. Paul Scholes will have earned his place alongside Darren Fletcher. Antonio Valencia will take up his usual slot on the right and Nani should be brought in on the left side, as Ryan Giggs was poor against City last weekend.
Owen Hargreaves was in line for a spot on the bench, but he has once again been sidelined by injury, thankfully it is only a calf strain and not a recurrence of his knee problems.
One thing that is always certain is, if Wayne Rooney is fit then he will start… sometimes he will start even if he is not. This rule is not true when it comes to Dimitar Berbatov. Linked with a summer move away from Old Trafford, the Bulgarian will have a chance to show his current employers the form he displayed with his former employers when they visit Manchester on Saturday.
One thing though is the worry over Spurs’ current form, Sir Alex is pessimistic though:
“Of course I was delighted with Spurs’ displays against Arsenal and Chelsea. They were absolutely brilliant, and could’ve won by more goals than they did, but their performance level was terrific. Now I’m faced with the same problem, coming up against them.
“The good thing is that all our players have watched these games. They’ve seen the quality they’ve got and that helps – we’re not going into the unknown.”
As Ferguson mentioned, wins over Arsenal and Chelsea will have done wonders for the visitors’ confidence, especially as they should have won both fixtures by a much bigger margin than they eventually did. However, a trip to Old Trafford is something, which Spurs’ don’t do well. They last emerged victorious at Old Trafford 21 years ago, and last season they let slip a 2-0 half-time lead to eventually lose 5-2.
Having said that, Gareth Bale is in magnificent form having been pushed to a more advanced role. Luka Modric is showing touches of brilliance we all expect and Michael Dawson is playing himself into England contention with his imperious displays.
Unluckily for United, Aaron Lennon looks set to make his long awaited comeback from injury and will have a place on the Spurs bench. Jermaine Jenas and Ledley King could also be restored to the line-up, while Wilson Palacios is back from suspension.
Harry Redknapp is in buoyant mood after the recent victories, “They were two great victories. When you play the top three teams in the country within 10 days and to beat all three of them, that would take some beating. You are not going to do that too often in your life.
“I would have snapped your hand off for five points. I would probably have taken four to be honest with you. But we have another tough game tomorrow.
“The sun’s shining, it’s a great stadium, a fantastic place to play football against a great team. We’re looking forward to it.”
Lets hope Tottenham get stage fright in the Theatre of Dreams, the statistics certainly point to a United victory.
Spurs have not won in their last 66 Premier League visits to the ‘Big Four’ clubs and United are unbeaten in their last 17 league matches against Tottenham who have only beaten Manchester United three times in 35 matches in the Premier League.
We should go back to the top of the league on Saturday, if only for 24 hours. Unless of course Stoke aren’t beaten at Stamford Bridge on Sunday… stranger things have happened.
Prediction: 2-1 United
Probable Line Up: van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra;, Valencia, Fletcher, Scholes, Nani; Berbatov, Rooney
***
Betfair is the official Manchester United betting partner and we here at Red Rants have partnered with them to offer a free £25 bet when you register.
Unlike other betting sites, Betfair allows you to place bets when the game is running and choose the odds at which you want to play. What allows you to do these things is you’re betting against other fans, not the bookie, so if you want better odds than are currently available, for example, you can place an order for a better price (but bear in mind that if your price is unrealistic your bet is unlikely to be accepted).
Related items from Red Rants:
- Tottenham v Manchester United – Match Thread
- Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur: Match Preview
- Man Utd v Tottenham: Carling Cup Final Preview
- Preview: Reds vs Spurs
- Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United: Match Preview
Tags: Manchester United News
Opti (541)
Stephen (479)
RedDevilEddy (459)
Craig Mc (345)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
@EduardoDaVinci4: I hope Red Ranter has enjoyed his vacation because to be honest, this blog has been dying a quiet death for months now due to his neglect. I know he was suffering a burnout and lack of interest before he went on holidays but now that he has been gone for so long and the sight is not being updated enough nor is it led by his comments, the blog for me looks to be dying. It also hasn’t benefitted by having it’s largest contributor (MOI) having taken a few weeks off for personal reasons. I have noticed times where we haven’t had a comment or hit for 10 or 12 hours and that is very disturbing at a time when we are fighting for a record 19th EPL title and are only one point behind Chelsea.
I think Red Ranter is somewhat at fault here and i think he would be honest enough to agree with that as well, my contributions have dropped for a while and even if this sounds egotistical on my part, I am the straw that stirs the drink around here. But for me the number one culprit for the lack of interest in this blog of late is none other than Manchester United itself. The manager has royally pissed many of us off with his inaccurate appraisal of things, his lies and his allegiance to the ass clowns that own the club. The Glazer situation has really knocked the mojo out of a lot of fans and the kind of football United are playing for the most part of the season is not United football at all and most importantly, it’s not very entertaining which leaves us with very little to say and even less enthusiasm and passion to say it. Just my views on the situation.
At least I am back which may be a good news bad news thing depending on what many of you think of me. Now if we can get Red Ranter to return and once again feel some love and passion for the blog, things should improve. But the greatest improvement will be the Glazer’s selling the club and Fergie spending some serious cash on some new world class blood. Stoke the fires properly instead of constantly dousing them with piss, which is what he has done for two seasons now. Lets just wait it out and see.
Like?
0 
0
@Hiram Gakembu: I’d love it. In a real world Liverpool should at worst get a draw tomorrow at Anfield but there is something about that fat waiter Benitez that I cannot stand or trust. The man has shown himself to be small and capable of lowering himself in many situations as he has no class or tact. I can see him fielding a patchwork team and giving very little effort to winning the game as he is gone after this season and where Liverpool ends up means nothing to him. He would love to leave knowing he thrust that knife deep into the back of Fergie out of spite and jealousy and just because he can. I expect Chelsea to win tomorrow because they will want it more and that usually is the difference at this high a level. The team that works the hardest will win and liverpool clearly have quit on Rafa but more importantly, it looks to me as if Rafa has also quit on Liverpool. Either way it means bad news for United. Just the way I see it.
Like?
0 
0
@EduardoDaVinci4: I’ll get over it mate. Trials and tribulations of a Grognard. Truthfully, the heel will get better in time and with my mother finally at peace, I also can be at peace and get on with my life without all the stress that I was enduring over her rapid deterioration and long hospital stay. Commuting back and forth to the hospital every day was gruelling and depressing and at least that is over now and I can relax a lot more and hopefully loose some of that edge in my personality that seems to get on so many people’s nerves on this blog.
It was a very difficult and stressful time for me and now I do feel a great sense of relief. So although I will always be controversial and highly opinionated, I also expect myself to be more relaxed and less prone to getting into arguments because I can actually feel that edge having diffused itself these last few days. Fergie, the Glazer’s, Anderson, Foster and some others are still on my hit list but I hope to at least be more welcoming to other’s disagreements to my views. Even though I am always right.
Like?
0 
0
@EduardoDaVinci4: By the way Eddy, I just picked up the FIFA World Cup game from EA for my XBOX. What do you think of it? I think the game is great but it also has glitches that are inexcusable. I was playing Germany and just before I was going to play their third game in the tournament two players mysteriously disappeared from the roster. This has been happening to me on FIFA 2010 also. I am amazed those ass clowns at EA have not fixed this problem by now.
Other than that, the game is great and it does have that feel of spectacle. The stadiums look great and the addition of great sound and effects like streamers and confetti on the pitch after pre game celebrations as well as rendering of all the managers and some sexy looking supporters is a very nice touch. Right now I am playing Portugal and I have them ready to play in the quarterfinal. Weird World Cup. Brazil never even qualified for the round of 16 as they won lost and drew but got eliminated when I beat them 3-0 thanks to two wonder goals by Ronaldo. First goal was class but the second was a masterful free kick that had me rolling around in joy as it looked great. Ronny has 6 goals in four games and is the star of the tournament. Funny but the game has knocked out Germany, Argentina, Italy and Spain in the round of 16 and Brazil was knocked out in the group stage. England will play France in the Quarters and has yet to concede a goal. Messi failed to register a goal or an assist in the four games he played while Ronaldo has 6 goals and 3 assists and is by far the player of the tournament. Great thing this time around is that EA has tweaked and improved the handing out of assists. Not like previous games where a player would make a great pass to a set up a goal and not get an assist. Great game and a great way to relax and take the edge off.
Like?
0 
0
@Grognard: I haven’t tried the game yet mate, but I’ve heard it’s great!
Like?
0 
0
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11679_6127885,00.html?
Yes or no?
In my opinion, yes, I’d definately take them!
Like?
0 
0
@EduardoDaVinci4: Well I just finished winning the World Cup with Portugal. Ronaldo was truly amazing for me in the whole tournament scoring 10 goals and assisting on 7 others as Portugal scored 19 goals in all. The final was a shocker. Portugal winning 3-0 over Ivory Coast and that dreaded Drogba. But I shut him up good putting Veloso on him like ham on cheese. Ronaldo scored one and assisted on two Liedson goals and then lifted the Cup in a beautiful post game celebration which was well done by EA. Golden Ball and Golden Shoe went to Ronaldo and the top three players in the tournament were Ronaldo, Liedson and Rooney. And just in case some of you are wondering, England lost to France in the quarters 0-0 on ……….you guessed it, PENALTIES.
Sometimes even a game has an eery way of mimicking real life. Too bad this isn’t real life because if it was, Ronaldo would have gotten World Player of the Year regardless of what Messi has done with Barca. Messi was invisible for Argentina. I somehow think that is going to be the truth in reality too. We’ll wait and see. But at least for now, on FIFA World Cup 2010, it is Ronny’s World.
Like?
0 
0
CraigMc I agree with you. Wes and Rio are too injury prone to be relied upon. And Rafael and Evans just aren’t ready yet. People focus a lot on the loss of Ronaldo. But they forget that the invincible defence that helped us to two Champions League finals has disintegrated and our defence has looked very shaky on many occasions. Not really much we can do other that give youngsters like Rafael, Fabio, Evans and Smalling time and try and improve other areas of the team. And do our upmost to cling on to Vidic.
But an absolute priority has to be a top class keeper. Ideally someone a bit more vocal than Edwin who can organise our defence a bit better.
Like?
0 
0
@Grognard: Sorry to hear about your loss Bro, i know what it feels like to loose a parent, its tough. Time is a great healer.
Like?
0 
0
@ REDRANTER: I know you’re taking a break, but could you make an appearance to resusitate the place at this the SQUEAKY BUM time of the season? I’m sure it would be appreciated by everyone. @ DAVID: How about the match preview soonish pls?
Like?
0 
0
Oh Yeah! You really just gotta love Patrice Evra!
Like?
0 
0
For the record, i cant see the Scousers getting anything out of Chelsea tomorrow, would love to be proved wrong, but i just cant see it
Like?
0 
0
alright to all you united followers, apparently. fed up writing on this site and getting fuck all reply, starting to really annoy me to be honest maybe i should come on and slag sir Alex of a bit more, maybe get more of response, i don’t need to write on website to know i support my team, just my m8 recommended this site, but ya only get heard if ya rip the shit out of the team. were the fuck is the debate in that. come on liverpool tomara, and then come on the champions. MUFC. ps, any one interested in united should read evra’s piece in todays daily mail, the guys a true RED like myself.
Like?
0 
0
For those of you that enjoy playing FIFA10 check out my goals that I managed to score yesterday.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7y47wjuy04
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMMAY7_y09U&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jrRQVUm1Vg
Come on Liverpool (never thought I would ever say that)
Like?
0 
0
@aron84: what console ya on. if x-box send me a friend request. give ya a game.
Like?
0 
0
@RicoTheRed:
Sorry mate ps3!!
Like?
0 
0
@aron84: Nice goals mate, if you play Xbox send me a friend request. RedKnightEddy is waiting.
Like?
0 
0
@RicoTheRed: We hear ya, but this site has been dead for a while now. No action going on with the team, I think there are more nerves than excitement at the moment, which certanly fucks up debating. If Liverpool do us a favor tomorrow and United lead the table on Sunday afternoon, expect a whole lot more action going on this site. Not because we follow the team only when things are going well, far from it, but we will be more comfortable to discuss various things if we lead and have Chelsea behind us. I think us United fans are nervous like fucks at the moment, but it’s really not in our hands…
Like?
0 
0
@EduardoDaVinci4:
Thanks mate funny thing is that was around my little brothers house.I dont have the game on my ps3 as I have had one of those internet dongles for the past year, not been able to sign on to the ps3 network.
Like?
0 
0
@EduardoDaVinci4: Agreed
Like?
0 
0
@EduardoDaVinci4: alright m8, if your looking a game on the box. Ricey MUFC is waiting my man
Like?
0 
0
@EduardoDaVinci4: Thanks for the reply m8. understand completely, my nerve’s are wrecked too. if ya want to ease them its easy. throw a tidy some on chelsea to win tomara, and then if they dont, its a no loss scenario. will take a little of the sting out knowing you’ve won a few pound. it will not take all the grief away but it will help. come on the scum.
Like?
0 
0
@RicoTheRed:
I just hope that clown carragher don’t give away a fucking penalty. I can dogba pissing all over him tomorrow.
Like?
0 
0
@aron84: @aron84: m8 unfortunately thats all i can see tomara. liverpool offer nothing going forward, i said to my m8 in work the only thing can beat chelsea tomara is nerves. because liverpool are crap, simply as i am afraid. he told me anfield is a tough place to go and get a win, true but after extra time the other night and with no torres, plus if you had the hole league depending on one game no matter where it was and you needed to win, if you where any kind of a decent team you would take that chance. i cant see it. hope i am wrong
Like?
0 
0
@Grognard: m8 send me a friend request. Ricey MUFC. i know you talk a good game. let me see you play one. lol
Like?
0 
0
@RicoTheRed: I would agree that anfield is a difficult place to go and get a win but without torres liverpool lack that killer instinct in front of goal. Gerrard has started to rediscover some form of late so hopefully he will have a good game. Well I would like to think that he would want to do well against chelsea but you can never trust those dirty scousers(although Rooney seems to think they will give it everything
). I would like to see babel start up top, on his day he can be a handful and possesses blistering pace. Lets hope tomorrow is his day!!!
Like?
0 
0
@Grognard: Very sorry to hear of your loss mate my condolences to you and your family.
Like?
0 
0
@colver: “Carrick is a good example of how that sort of signing can backfire. Carrick was also very impressive for Tottenham. He was also on the verge of breaking into the England team. He was getting rave reviews as the next Glenn Hoddle.
He comes to us and he looks like a shadow of the player he was at Tottenham and as with so many England central midfielders gets bossed by continental counterparts.”
There is no question that Carrick has been very poor this year, and I personally wouldn’t be too sorry to see him go during the summer. But it’s a shame, because he was a very big part of the team over the past 3 years, and some of you guys are too quick to forget this. To say that he was a shadow of his former self while playing for United is ridiculous.
Carrick was the only player United bought in the summer of 2006, before taking back the title. While there were obviously a lot of other factors that got the team back on top, he played a role. With Carrick and a no-longer-blind Carrick linking up in midfield, United were finally able to hold the ball again, and move forward with the exciting forwards (Rooney, Ronaldo, etc.).
He’s been a very important player in the United revival, and while it has been supremely frustrating to watch him lately, we should remember that. He was a clear success here for his first 2.5-3 years.
Like?
0 
0
@Jim: I can’t seem to edit my comment, so I’d just like to point out that I clearly meant to say “a no-longer-blind Scholes.”
Carrick was clearly a more successful player for United than for Tottenham.
Like?
0 
0
Today some rich footballers will lie down. Some other rich beyond their wildest dreams footballers will beat them in the GAME we call football. It will be a scandal. Like the Aston Villa scandal or the Stoke scandal.
I am so sick of English football. Money has murdered it.
I’m leaving this site for good. I am now officially a Barcelona fan. A club that doesn’t accept money from some wage slave corporation but PAYS UNICEF for the honour of wearing their name proudly on their shirts. Incidentally they are the best club side I have ever seen. Bye.
Like?
0 
0
Also, go POOL!
Like?
0 
0
@themec: Why are you informing then?Is there any need of it?
Like?
0 
0
@RicoTheRed: Sorry mate I don’t play XBOX Live. My games are between me and the AI of the game. I have never warmed to the live experience as it is just playing against strangers and for me that’s kind of spooky. Hell it took a lot to break my cherry and get me to join a blog forum like this one. XBOX live is where kids go to trash each other. I’m 51 and sorry but I’m just not into that even though I am a pretty good gamer. Sorry.
Like?
0 
0
After winning the World Cup with Portugal I decided to try out England on the new FIFA WC game. So far three games over and three wins. 2-0 vs USA, 4-0 vs Algeria and 4-0 vs Slovenia. Sounds great but I have lost Wayne Rooney and Gerrard to injuries and I don’t know when I’ll be getting them back. Typical Rooney to fall for England again after scoring a brace vs Algeria. My next opponent in the round of 16 will be Guana. So hopefully my mastery of the game will carry Britannia through. By the way, I play 4-3-3 with Rooney up front and Walcott and Lennon wide. That speed just murders opponents on the counter attack in case others want to try it. Don’t waste time and space using a slug like Heskey or Crouch and play Lampard just behind Rooney and he’ll act like a second striker.
Like?
0 
0
Liverpool have won their last 9 Premiership games at Anfield, and Chelsea have lost more games at Anfield than at any other ground.
B E L I E V E
Like?
0 
0
Liverpool <3
Like?
0 
0
Nobody hates Dippers more than me, but COME ON LIVERPOOL!!!!!!!!!!
Like?
0 
0
@Stephen: Gary Neville
Like?
0 
0
@EduardoDaVinci4: Oh yes, bar Red Nev!!
Like?
0 
0
On paper Liverpool are good enough to get a point, but football isn’t played on paper, it will be intersting to see the Liverpool starting eleven……………………….
Like?
0 
0
just saw an interview on LTV with Stevie Me, He seems up for it, and reckons that as a Professional Outfit they will go out to win!!
I know their record fancies them, but this Scouser side is very poor, If Stevie is true to his word?! then expect a captains performance to raise the averageness of his team mates! And maybe the Scouse will get a draw!
Like?
0 
0
@themec: Ah another loyal fan supports his club through thick and thin, you won’t be missed twat.
Like?
0 
0
@Phoenix Red: If they play.
Reina
Johnson
Carragher
Agger
Kyrgiakos
Mascherano
Lucas
Kuyt
Rodriguez
Gerrard
Babel
They should get at least a point if and that’s a big if the perform.
Like?
0 
0
@Phoenix Red: I’ve heard many many Liverpool fans say they want to beat Chelsea to keep alive their hopes of 4th, and because they lie down for nobody. If that means United win a 19th title then so be it, we deserve to win it. Begrudgingly, if the roles were reversed, I’d want United to win. When you really support a team, you want them to win every match, regardless.
But on the same note, you can bet your ass that the majority of Liverpool fans will be cheering their team on to win, and then Sunderland even more so!
Like?
0 
0
@Stephen: Alright Stephen! mmmmmm no Benyoun! IFFFFFF they perform? as Traverse@Traverse: said you’ld be better off with Cilla Black than Lucas, most/all scousers would agree with this!
Like?
0 
0
@Phoenix Red: There he goes Stevie Me with a great pass through to Dogbreath, Chelscum 1-0 up!
Like?
0 
0
What a pass from Mr Liverpool
Like?
0 
0