Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur: Star-studded combined XI featuring 2 Red Devils and 9 Lilywhites
A shock 3-2 at defeat Brighton has cranked up the pressure on Jose Mourinho as his Manchester United side prepare for the visit of Tottenham Hotspur on Monday.
Manchester United have not started the season as convincingly as they would have liked to after a 3-2 loss to Brighton last weekend. Mourinho is under immense pressure after a disappointing start to the new campaign but this could turn worse if Tottenham beat Man United on Monday.
Tottenham, on the other hand, have enjoyed a perfect start to the 2018/10 campaign with two wins in two games. The North Londoners will be looking to compound more misery on Mourinho when they travel to Old Trafford on Monday.
Team News
United have been handed a double injury boost ahead of the clash, as Diogo Dalot and Marcos Rojo have hinted they are ready to return from their respective injuries. Alexis Sanchez, who missed the Brighton game, is a doubt for the Spurs game, although he was seen battling hard to regain full fitness.
Mourinho may be able to call upon Nemanja Matic and Antonio Valencia against Tottenham after the pair returned to full training, while Luke Shaw is set for a fitness test after picking up a knock at Brighton.
Meanwhile for Spurs, Harry Winks returned to the squad against Fulham after missing eight months with an ankle injury. Victor Wanyama remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.
Cameron-Carter Vickers, Juan Foyth and Josh Onomah continue their recoveries from knocks.
Combined Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
David De Gea (GK)
David De Gea has conceded more goals than Hugo Lloris so far this season but he still remains arguably the best goalkeeper in the world. He starts in goal ahead of Lloris.
Kieran Trippier (RB)
Trippier scored a fantastic free-kick in the 3-1 win over Fulham last weekend and is a sure starter at right-back.
Toby Alderweireld (CB)
United’s defence was at all sea against Brighton, so there is no way any of the centre-backs will get picked here ahead of Spurs’ settled rearguard. Alderweireld was a rock at the back against Fulham and is an easy pick in central defence.
Jan Vertonghen (CB)
Partnering Alderweireld at the back is Jan Vertonghen. He is a leader at the back and he will have to be at his best to stop the United attackers.
Ben Davies (LB)
Davies has been a reliable presence at left-back and there’s no reason to not select him in the combined line-up.
Eric Dier (CM)
Dier is one of the most important players for Pochettino due to his versatility. The England international screens Spurs’ defence and allows their attackers to express themselves freely.
Paul Pogba (CM)
Although Pogba was poor at Brighton, there is no denying his quality to win games single-handedly. The Frenchman slots in alongside Dier in central midfield.
Dele Alli (LW)
Alli should start at left-wing as that will allow him to drift inside, deliver crosses into the box and pack a powerful shot with his right foot. A definite starter against Manchester United on Monday.
Christian Eriksen (CAM)
Pochettino simply cannot drop Eriksen due to his ability to unlock tightest of defences and ability to recycle possession. The creative hub of Tottenhan, Eriksen is an undoubted starter at Old Trafford.
Lucas Moura (RW)
Moura finally seems to have found his rhythm in the Premier League. The diminutive Brazilian can lose possession at times but due to his explosive pace, astuteness and movement, he will always be a threat to the opposition.
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Harry Kane (ST)
Kane is better than Lukaku and after breaking his August curse last weekend, he is an easy pick for this team.