Here is how Tottenham could line up against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
After producing a memorable comeback to pinch a point against Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur will look to build on that result when they travel to Old Trafford to face an in-form Manchester United side on Saturday afternoon.
A depleted Spurs side trailed 2-0 against Manchester City at half-time, sapped off energy and motivation. Credit to Thomas Frank for stirring a response from his boys after the interval, as Dominic Solanke scored a brace to help his team earn a credible point. However, the Lilywhites’ challenge gets bigger when they come up against a resurgent Manchester United.
However, having got the better of Man United a staggering four times last season, including in the Europa League final, Tottenham will head into this fixture with some belief and spirit. That said, here is how Tottenham could line up against Man United.
Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
Guglielmo Vicario was helpless in any of City’s goals last weekend. The Italian shot-stopper have to be focused throughout the game to keep a clean sheet against an in-form Man United side.
Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven will be trying to stop Man United attackers.
Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven will be trying to stop Man United attackers. (Image Source: Teamtalk)
Defence: Archie Gray, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie
Frank started a back-three system vs. City, but Cristian Romero going off at half-time due to illness led to Tottenham reverting to a back four. Radu Dragusin partnered Joao Palhinha in central defence after the break, as Spurs managed to turn the game around and get a draw.
However, Micky van de Ven is expected to be fit to face Man United after missing the last two games with a minor injury. Romero, too, will be fine, meaning we could see the duo start in central defence on Saturday. They will have to be switched on and disciplined to keep the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha at bay.
Archie Gray had a solid second half vs. City at right-back and will continue in that role, with Destiny Udogie retaining his spot at left-back.
Midfield: Yves Bissouma, Joao Palhinha, Conor Gallagher
As the cliché goes, games are won and lost in midfield, and this fixture will be no different either. Given United have focusing on playing more through the central channels under Carrick, Frank may opt to bolster his midfield by playing another holding player.
Xavi Simons had his best Tottenham game vs. Man City, and he will be raring to build on it at Old Trafford
Xavi Simons had his best Tottenham game vs. Man City, and he will be raring to build on it at Old Trafford
Yves Bissouma has done alright since being reintegrated into the side, and he will be tasked with shielding the backline along with Joao Palhinha. A combative presence, Palhinha may well try to get tighter to United skipper Bruno Fernandes and nullify his creative edge. Having Bissouma and Palhinha in the double pivot should give Conor Gallagher the license to thrive in a free No.10 role, and the England international can cause the hosts problems by getting into spaces behind Casemiro and Mainoo.
Attack: Xavi Simons, Dominic Solanke, Wilson Odobert
Xavi Simons enjoyed his best game in a Spurs shirt vs. City, running the show from the No.10 role and causing chaos in the final third. However, Frank, perhaps pushing Gallagher into an advanced role, will see Simons moved to the left flank, from where the Dutchman’s link-up play and movement could pin back United right-back Diogo Dalot. Wilson Odobert is thriving on the right wing and looks poised to continue.
Dominic Solanke scored a brace vs. City, including an incredible scorpion kick, before he came off the pitch following a bang to his ankle. Frank must be hoping Solanke overcomes his issue and leads the Tottenham attack against Carrick’s side, with Kolo Muani an option on the bench.