In the late kick off on Saturday, Man United play host to a resurgent Tottenham side that will be looking to upset their hosts in their pursuit of another league title.
Having won their last two games against West Ham and Newcastle, Spurs search for their first third consecutive win since April Fools’ day 2007. When Harry Redknapp arrived at the London club they were sitting in the relegation zone but have seen their fortunes improve dramatically and now sit 9th on 44 points. When the former Pompey boss took over at White Hart Lane the club only had two points from their first eight games. However within a few short weeks he had managed to pull the club out of the relegation zone and up the table even reaching the League Cup Final to see his side defeated by today’s opponents on penalties.
United go in to the game once more atop the summit of English football. They lead title rivals, Liverpool by three points and still retain a crucial game in hand. The victory against Portsmouth on Wednesday night was marred however by injuries to Gary Neville and John O’Shea who will both miss out on Saturday. It is likely Wes Brown will step into replace the injured Neville and is in line to make his first league start since picking up a foot injury in October.
Club captain, Rio Ferdinand, is set to return after being rested for the midweek game and he will lead out his team as they go in search of their 15th home victory of the season. The title holders’ will be given extra motivation if Liverpool are successful in defeating Hull in a three o’clock kick off that would see the Merseysiders’ return to the the top of the Premiership on goal difference. Having not lost to the Spurs in their last 15 league meetings, Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping that his side can claim the three points and push even closer to lifting the trophy.
Tottenham go into the game without the injured Michael Dawson who picked up an ankle injury during the 1-0 victory over relegation strugglers Newcastle last weekend. Hopes will be high amongst the Spurs faithful considering that they haven’t been beaten by any of the top four so far this season and have claimed famous victories over Chelsea at White Hart Lane a few weeks ago and Liverpool earlier in the season. Gilberto may start on his 33rd birthday but Man Utd striker Frazier Campbell who is on loan at Spurs is ineligible. Harry Redknapp will be keen to become the first Tottenham manager to win a Premier League game at the theatre of dreams and will be hoping his side can push into the European spots with a victory.
Soccerlens prediction: Manchester United to win 2-1.
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