Tottenham Hotspur visits Manchester United for this weekend’s high-octane Premier League fixture. Mauricio Pochettino’s side have bounced back with a commanding 5-0 victory over Swansea city last week after a slow start to the campaign. They are currently positioned fifth in the Premier League table having lost just one fixture in the league so far. A win at Old Trafford could send them back in the top four. The Lilywhites currently lead Manchester United by six points, a gap that Harry Kane and Co. would like to increase. Jose Mourinho’s men have struggled for form having played out three consecutive draws in the league.
Team News:
Toby Alderweirald has recovered from injury and his return could not have been more timely for Pochettino. His presence is much needed in the Spurs’ backline to nullify the threat of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Eric Dier could be shifted back to midfield but there is stiff competition from the likes of Moussa Dembele, Victor Wanyama and youngster Harry Winks. Vincent Janssen and Ben Davies are on their way to recovery but neither is expected to start. Erik Lamela is unavailable as he has returned to attend a personal family problem.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Hugo Lloris:
The Frenchman has been one of Premier League’s top goalkeepers over the last few seasons and will start against United. Lloris will be tested by the likes of Ibrahimovic and needs to put up a decent performance.
Kyle Walker:
The English right-back is a beast. He is one of the automatic starters at Tottenham and will keep his place in the starting line-up.
Toby Alderweireld:
Spurs will be boosted by his return to the line-up, especially in such a difficult fixture. He will have his task cut out when he takes the field at Old Trafford.
Jan Vertonghen:
The Belgian defender has done well in the absence of Alderweirald. Vertonghen will be helped by the comeback of his central-defending partner on Sunday.
Danny Rose:
The left full-back will return his place in the starting line-up. Rose has been solid for Spurs and would look to continue his good form.
Victor Wanyama:
The former Southampton midfielder provides balance in the midfield and is crucial for Spurs. He should start ahead of Dier but will have his task cut out against Paul Pogba.
Moussa Dembele:
When fit, he is the first names on the team-sheet. The Belgian is brilliant in his role and should start at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Christian Eriksen:
Eriksen has been in top form scoring a brace in last week’s 5-0 demolition of Swansea. He has been one of the key members in Pochettino’s side and will retain his place in the playing XI.
Dele Alli:
The youngster has been in terrific form since he burst onto the scene. He will play in the number 10 role and will have an important part to play if Tottenham are to secure three points.
Heung-Min Son:
The Korean winger is one of the most under-rated players in the Premier League. His confidence will be boosted by the magnificent strike last week as he looks to start on Sunday.
Harry Kane:
Since making a comeback from injury, Spurs’ main man has been in top form. Kane scored twice and helped his team to a 5-0 win. He will be a definite starter at Old Trafford.