Manchester United meet Tottenham in a crucial kick-off at the top of the Premier League table tonight.
Manchester United’s main goal at the start of the season was to finish in the top four. Erik ten Hag can take a big step forward with a win at Tottenham tonight.
United can be nine points clear of Spurs with two games in hand with a win tonight. Three points would almost secure a Champions League place for next season.
Tottenham themselves are in pathetic shape. The problem, however, is United’s away record of not having won away at all teams in the top half of the table this season.
The big concern ahead of this game is Bruno Fernandes’ physical condition. We guess Fernandes’ sheer determination to play will get him into the starting XI and play as usual.
David de Gea is in the goal. The defense is less predictable due to injuries and Harry Maguire’s return from suspension.
The back four could be the same as those who competed at Wembley. It will be Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back and Diogo Dalot at left-back.
Maguire may have to settle for a place on the bench, with Victor Lindelof joined by Luke Shaw, who has really settled into the centre-back role when needed.
Casemiro and Christian Eriksen will certainly be in United’s midfield. Who completes the trio remains to be seen. We hit the road and expect Bruno Fernandes to pass an overdue fitness test.
If he’s not ready, or Ten Hag is playing it safe, Fred could have earned a return to the squad with an impressive replacement.
United’s attacking three are likely to be the trio who started at Wembley, provided Marcus Rashford is fit enough to start again after returning from injury at the weekend. There is also a big match on Sunday when United take on Aston Villa.
Anthony Martial and Antony will join Rashford up front. But if there are any doubts about any of them, Jadon Sancho and Wout Weghorst are ready to step in.
