A loss to Liverpool in the League Cup surprised no one, and an FA Cup trophy was still several rounds away, but there is no way to sugarcoat it: last week was a tough one for Ange Postecoglou and [Tottenham Hotspur](https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com). As the Europa League Playoff Round continues on, the focus must now shift to the league, where Spurs remain closer to the relegation zone than the European places.
Sunday welcomes another struggling giant, [Manchester United](https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com). The sides have already faced twice this season, in which Tottenham secured two of its best performances. A third victory would be highly welcomed, as the negativity surrounding North London grows louder, and three points are certainly attainable. A win this weekend may not solve everything, but a loss would add on to the frustration.
### Tottenham Hotspur (14th, 27pts) vs. Manchester United (13th, 29pts)
**Date**: Sunday, February 16
**Time**: 11:30 am ET, 4:30 pm UK
**Location**: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
**TV**: Peacock (US), Sky Sports Main Event (UK)
After Spurs knocked them out of the League Cup, United have found success in the FA Cup, taking down Arsenal and getting past Leicester to secure a spot in the Fifth Round, and in the Europa League, finishing third in the League Phase (one point ahead of Tottenham). The Premier League, however, has been less kind, with inconsistent results; the last four matches have produced two wins and two losses.
The first league encounter saw Spurs run riot at Old Trafford, winning 3-0 with 4.4 xG against Erik ten Hag’s side. Ruben Amorim took over soon after, but his team also lost to Tottenham, this time in the League Cup Quarterfinal — a wild fixture that saw the home side nearly blow a three-goal lead before Heung-Min Son’s Olimpico proved enough to keep the trophy hopes alive at that time.
### A tasty recipe
It may feel strange to say for a club that has won just one of its last eight league fixtures and is coming off two poor performances, but this does feel like a prime opportunity this weekend. United are equally struggling, and Spurs have already shown they can beat this opponent. With few meaningful matches remaining domestically, Postecoglou’s side should be motivated to take on a big six club, regardless of form.
Even away from home, do not expect Amorim to take on an overly conservative approach, as has been the case against many lower-table sides Tottenham has struggled with. Both teams will likely go for it, potentially leading to another chaotic affair like the cup tie in December. All signs point to a winnable match for Spurs, who have a chance to win consecutive league games for the first time since September (against Brentford and United, coincidentally).
### Reinforced
Another reason for optimism is the likely return of several key players. Djed Spence has been a revelation, but having Destiny Udogie available, even as an option, is a huge boost. A similar sentiment applies to Guglielmo Vicario, despite solid performances from Antonin Kinsky. Perhaps most crucial are the potential returns of James Maddison and Brennan Johnson, who would provide much-needed depth to a depleted and struggling attacking corps.
United are near the bottom of the league in goals scored, but with Micky van de Ven out and ongoing defensive issues, no one is expecting a flawless defensive performance from Spurs. However, the adding in some key attacking players could be enough to secure a couple of goals, and something like a 2-1 victory feels reasonable. Neither club is having a season to remember (at least in the league), but beating United is always satisfying.