The pick of the Premier League contests this week sees Manchester United host Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford, with the hosts – and in particular Erik ten Hag – in need of a big performance and result.
Both sides were in Europa League action in midweek, but many key first-team players were rested from the starting XIs and full strength teams are expected to be named for what could be a captivating contest.
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Spurs could increase pressure on ten Hag
Since losing the North London derby at home to Arsenal, Tottenham have won three consecutive matches in all competitions and this strong form could put them in good stead to avoid defeat at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Spurs managed to claim a 3-0 victory at home to Qarabag on Thursday night – despite playing more than 80 minutes with 10 men after Radu Dragusin’s early dismissal – and Ange Postecoglou’s men also took four points from their two league meetings with United last season.
The Red Devils were unable to make home advantage count on Wednesday night as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Dutch side FC Twente and that result means it is two games without a win in all competitions for Ten Hag’s men.
The visitors will be confident that they can come away with a result this weekend – particularly given that they have not lost any of their last three meetings with United – but Old Trafford is still a tough place to go and so a victory is far from assured.
Super Son to lead by example
Spurs have scored eight goals across their last three matches in all competitions and they possess a wide array of high-quality forwards that can get on the scoresheet.
Captain Heung-Min Son leads the way for the Lilywhites in the Premier League scoring charts with two so far and he will likely pose a major threat to the United goal again on Sunday.
The South Korean has the best shots on target percentage of any forward in the Spurs squad (57.1%) and this accuracy should provide him with the best possible chance of grabbing his third of the campaign.
Mainoo to find himself in referee’s notebook
An intense midfield battle could be on the cards in Manchester and one man more than familiar with the wrong side of the referees is United star Kobbie Mainoo.
The England international is one of 14 players in the Premier League season to have picked up three yellow cards this season and has already given away nine fouls – the most of anyone in the Red Devils squad.
With the qualities of James Maddison and Pape Matar Sarr in the middle of the park, Mainoo could be in for a tough day at the office and he could be a worthwhile pick in the cards market.
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