Only a month after sacking Antonio Conte, Tottenham are already on their third manager with Ryan Mason set to take charge for the first time on Thursday. Cristian Stellini was fired in the aftermath of Spurs losing 6-1 away st fellow Champions League chasers Newcastle on Sunday. In one last attempt to save their top-4 hopes, Tottenham prepare to host Manchester United, a team that have been stumbling somewhat themselves in recent weeks. Below we bring you a detailed preview and our prediction for Thursday’s big match.
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Tottenham vs Man United: Match Preview
Tottenham hit a new low last Sunday when they were thrashed 6-1 on their visit to St James’ Park. A shameful showing from practically all the Spurs players, chaotic coaching from the sideline, and another pathetic defensive effort led to a terrible result against the Magpies. Spurs have now lost back-to-back PL games and they trail the top 4 by 6 points, so for them, every remaining match is a do-or-die affair, although, they do have two games in hand on the Red Devils.
Tottenham rely on their home form and despite their struggles, they actually won four of their last five home games. Amazingly, Tottenham are without a home PL draw since December 2021 (W18 L8). Spurs have this all-or-nothing attitude which might explain why both teams have scored in each of their last 6 matches.
Harry Kane is a goal away from equaling Wayne Rooney’s 208 Premier League goals, which will put the Spurs forward in joint-second place on the all-time PL goalscorers list behind Alan Shearer who netted 260 times. However, Kane last scored at home against United way back in May 2017, so the England and Tottenham talisman hasn’t got the best of records in this fixture.
The Red Devils needed a lot of luck to progress through to the FA Cup final on Sunday. After a grueling 120 minutes at Wembley against Brighton failed to produce any goals, it took a penalty shootout for United to setup a date with Man City in the Final.
United’s form has been in decline lately. They crashed out of Europe and were far from convincing at Wembley. Also, United have won just two of their last six away games in the league. All that said, the Red Devils have the most clean sheets in the Premier League (14) this season. United have kept clean sheets in four of their last five league games (W3 D1 L1). However, fatigue after the effort on Sunday and mounting injury problems has stretched the squad.
The last meeting between the two
Back in October, Man Utd won 2-0 at home to extend their winning run in this fixture to four games. Fred and Bruno scored the goals on that occasion with the Red Devils comfortable and deserved winners in the end. Kane failed to register a shot on target in that match.
The Form Guide: Tottenham vs Man United
Tottenham
Spurs have lost two in a row and have picked up just one won just one win in their last five Premier League games. Tottenham have conceded 3 goals or more in three of those five matches, including six last Sunday against Newcastle. The hosts’ home form remains decent though with the Lillywhites winning four of their last five home PL games.
Form guide: DDWLL
Man United
United sneaked into the FA Cup final after a dramatic penalty shootout against Brighton on Sunday. The display was not very convincing and lately, the Red Devils have been stumbling, crashing out of the Europa league following a 3-0 defeat away at Sevilla. The visitors have also managed to win only two of their last six away games in the Premier League (D1 L3).
Form guide: WDWLW
Team News for Thursday’s clash between Tottenham vs Man United
Tottenham
Tottenham’s first-choice goalkeeper Lloris picked up an injury in the Newcastle game and he is now a serious doubt for the United game. Bissouma also remains sidelined. However, there is good news too. Moura is back after a ban. Also, Lenglet and Davies have recovered from injuries and can provide a boost to the back line.
Man Utd
Man Utd are likely to be missing their key midfielder Bruno Fernandes, hurt at Wembley on Sunday. They are already without their preferred starting pair in the heart of the defence Martinez and Varane for the rest of the season and on top of that, McTominay is doubtful. At least, Maguire is available again after serving his ban.
Our Prediction: Tottenham to find a way to stop the rot and record their first win under Mason
- We predict a narrow 2-1 win for the Spurs, with Harry Kane scoring the opener and with this equaling Wayne Rooney’s record for the second-most goals in the Premier League.
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