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Tottenham Hotspur face Manchester United in the Premier League on Thursday night in what looks set to be Spurs’ final roll of the dice in terms of their aspirations of qualifying for next season’s Champions League. The North London club sacked interim Head Coach, Cristian Stellini, after the 6-1 humiliation at St James Park at the weekend meaning this will be Ryan Mason’s first match in charge.
Manchester United, on the other hand, had a very different Sunday afternoon as they overcame Brighton in a penalty shootout at Wembley to progress through to the FA Cup final. The Red Devils weren’t at their best on the day but got the victory thanks to a Solly March miss deep into the shootout.
The game is a must-win for the home side while Erik Ten Hag would probably consider a draw a decent result considering the gap between the sides in the Premier League table. If United can get a win, however, then Champions League football will almost certainly be returning to Old Trafford next season.
The match will kick off at 20:15 UK time with viewers being able to watch the match live on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport 1 HD.
Tottenham Hotspur Team News: Ryan Mason to ring the changes in his first game in charge
When Antonio Conte was sacked by Spurs at the end of March, many eyebrows were raised when the club announced that his assistant, Cristian Stellini, would be staying on as Interim boss until the end of the season. Conte’s number two was someone who had been coaching the players throughout Conte’s tenure at the club which meant a change in style, and therefore fortunes, was always unlikely.
Tottenham have sacked interim coach Cristian Stellini after 6-1 defeat against Newcastle. 🚨⚪️ #THFC
Former Antonio Conte assistant set to leave the club after internal meeting at Spurs in the morning. pic.twitter.com/Z3xvXA2reK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 24, 2023
With Ryan Mason now in charge until the of the season, Spurs fans will be hoping that they can at least watch some expansive football over the course of their final six games before a new permanent manager is appointed in the summer. As a result, the ex-Spurs player may opt for a change in system to get his side higher up the pitch and on the front foot.
In his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Mason refused to commit to an answer when asked about his formation plans for the game against United but did provide updates on a couple of injured players. On Hugo Lloris, who was subbed off against Newcastle with an injury, Mason said:
“For the game on Thursday, we are still unsure. Obviously had a muscle problem so we are still seeing how that is settling down. Time will tell on that on.”
Meanwhile, he is hopeful that Ben Davies and Clement Lenglet could be in contention for selection after both defenders missed the thrashing at Newcastle. Higher up the pitch, Richarlison will be hoping to score his first league goal for the club under a manager who is expected to allow more freedom to his attacking stars.
Manchester United Team News: Will Bruno Fernandes be risked?
Manchester United have faced an injury crisis in recent weeks and are still without several vital first team players including Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho. Squad players, Scott Mctominay and Donny van de Beek, are also still unavailable.
Erik Ten Hag’s injury list expanded once again on Sunday when Bruno Fernandes, the club’s most influential player, was forced off with a foot injury. The Portuguese playmaker has a remarkable record of never missing a game through injury during his professional career but that looks set to come to an end on Thursday night after he was pictured wearing a protective boot earlier in the week.
Bruno Fernandes’ wife on Instagram: pic.twitter.com/YKhJC0ghd8
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) April 24, 2023
With Fernandes likely out, Ten Hag may opt to bring in Fred to his starting eleven after the Brazilian had a positive impact off the bench on Sunday. Alternatively, he could opt for Marcel Sabitzer who offers more of a goal threat than Fred.
Another big decision for Ten Hag to make relates to the defence. United were without Harry Maguire on Sunday as the England centre back was suspended but they defended superbly with Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw at the heart of the defence.
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