Can Spurs grab any points in Manchester?

The late kick-off on Sunday is a clash between two teams who are desperate to pick up a win after poor starts to their PL season. All is set to deliver another thrilling encounter as Manchester United host Tottenham in Manchester, with this match promising to be a closely contested affair between two sides looking to climb up the table.

Current Form

Both teams find themselves in the mid-table positions, with Tottenham slightly ahead in 10th place and Manchester United just behind in 11th. The similarity in their league performances so far adds an extra layer of intrigue to this fixture. With identical records of 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 defeats, both sides will be eager to gain an edge over their rival and push towards the upper part of the league. The stage is set at the iconic Old Trafford, often referred to as the “Theatre of Dreams,” which is sure to provide an electric atmosphere for this high-stakes encounter. With the new INEOS plans for a new ground with a 100k capacity, the future off the pitch looks far brighter than it has done over recent years, but right now the focus is what is happening on the pitch and fans are not best pleased by what they are seeing. Manager Erik Ten Hag is certainly under pressure, having been backed in summer, going out to spend big again on remodelling his team. 

Man Utd – What to Expect

Manchester United’s campaign thus far has been a mixed bag of results. With 7 points from 5 games, including 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 defeats, the Red Devils find themselves in 11th place – a position they’ll be keen to improve upon. Their goal difference stands at an even 5:5, suggesting a balance between their attacking output and defensive solidity. They will be concerned by the lack of goals though, with their attacking players creating chances but not managing to score. In their most recent outing, United secured a hard-fought 0-0 draw away at Crystal Palace. While a clean sheet is always welcome, the lack of goals after a 7-0 win against League 1 side Barnsley in the EFL Cup will be a concern for manager Erik ten Hag. The Dutch tactician is known for his preference for attacking football, and he’ll be working hard to unlock the team’s offensive potential. Ten Hag’s tactical approach has shown glimpses of brilliance, but consistency remains the key challenge. The team’s performance in the cup competitions mirrors their league form, with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 defeats across all competitions. This further emphasises the need for United to find a stable run of form if they are to challenge for a much coveted top four spot. 

Tottenham – What to Expect

Tottenham, under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, have shown flashes of their potential this season. With 7 points from their opening 5 fixtures, including 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 defeats, Spurs currently occupy 10th place in the standings. Despite early season struggles when it comes to converting chances, Spurs goal difference of 9:5 indicates a potent attack, albeit with some defensive frailties. The North London side comes into this fixture on the back of an impressive 3-1 home victory against Brentford FC. This result showcases their attacking prowess and will undoubtedly boost their confidence heading into the clash at Old Trafford. Postecoglou has instilled an attractive, attacking style of play at Tottenham, evident in their goal-scoring record. However, the challenge lies in balancing this offensive approach with defensive stability, particularly away from home against top-six rivals. Across all competitions, Tottenham’s record mirrors their league performance, suggesting consistency in their approach regardless of the competition. This could be both a strength and a weakness as they face a Manchester United side known for their tactical flexibility.

Final Thoughts

The last meeting between these two was an entertaining 2-2 draw at Old Trafford back in January. United have had the better of things recently with five wins in the last ten meetings, whereas Tottenham have only managed two wins. United are favourites to win the match, currently at 2.35, whereas Tottenham are at 2.82. 

This clash promises to be an entertaining encounter between two evenly matched sides. While both teams have shown inconsistency this season, United’s home advantage and slightly superior head-to-head record give them a marginal edge.

Odds might have changed since the writing and publication of this article.

Last updated: 27.09.24