Pre-Match: Manchester United Vs Tottenham Hotspur

VS

                               Old Trafford, Manchester.

The defending champions, Manchester United host Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night kick-off in a mouth-watering clash between arguably two of the most entertaining teams in the current premier league. But then, Spurs haven’t won against United at home since December 1989; when it was thanks to a solitary goal from Gary Linekar. This Spur side too would face a mammoth task, considering that United picked up 55 points from a possible 57 at home in the 2010-‘11 season. They had a two-goal lead against United at Old Trafford in ‘07-‘08 season and were cruising at half time. Eventually it was calamitous disintegration in 22 minutes which saw an irrepressible attacking force scoring five goals.

Jones’ summer recruitment will prove fruitful, having questioned by many since United already have four centre-backs in their ranks, amidst the current defensive crisis. The England defender, Rio Ferdinand was expected to be out for around six weeks, but Sir Alex has revealed he would be back to face Arsenal at the end of this month. Unfortunately though, he will not team up with his regular defensive partner Nemanja Vidic, since the skipper is likely to be out action for another month due to calf muscle injury. Rafael has had an operation (on his shoulder) this week and will be out for 10 weeks due to a freak incident in training. On the positive front, Patrice Evra is fit again, while both Chicharito and Antonio Valencia are "doing well" in training and Darren Fletcher came through his outing unscathed for the Reserves this week.

The casualties in Spurs are: Gallas (calf strain), Ledley King (knee injury), Palacios (ankle) and Pienaar (groin) and Luka Modric’s participation still remains a doubt, even if fit after injury, considering the speculation about a possible move to Chelsea. Kranjcar has stepped to occasion, administrating the midfield in the Europa league’s qualifying game against Hearts. He always had the ability; now has been given the opportunity.

Fans’ apprehensiveness coupled with media’s scrutiny of the goalkeeper for the past two games; this would be a very important night for De Gea who looked awfully nervous after conceding a speculative effort from the debutant Shane Long. Here is a more worrisome state: Tottenham scored the most number of goals from outside the box last season netting 15 of their 55 league goals. The Spanish stopper actually conceded 11 goals from outside the box in La Liga last season. (Courtesy Martin Tyler’s blog on Sky Sports). The goalkeeper looks light weight and will take at least take four-five months to develop physicality. His vocal and organisation skill will be crucial.

United’s young defensive unit could struggle against Tottenham’s forward line which consist of lethal combination of pace on both the flanks – Lennon and Bale; an intelligent floater Van Der Vaart, and the poacher Defoe who has added immense upper body strength to hold the mightiest of defenders Evra’s experience could be vital to hold off an in-form Aaron Lennon; although Smalling, not the quickest of defenders, could struggle against the pace of Bale. Fletcher should start in the midfield to provide a more defensive cover and add steel to the midfield. The game will hopefully live up to the pre-match expectations and provide goals galore! 

Probable XI:

Manchester United: (4-4-2) De Gea, Smalling, Jones, Evans, Evra, Young, Anderson, Fletcher, Nani, Rooney, Hernandez.

Tottenham Hotspur: (4-3-2-1) Gomes, Corluka, Kaboul, Dawson, Ekotto, Bale, Huddlestone, Kranjcar, Lennon,Van Der Vaat, Defoe.