After two wins in a row it seems that Manchester United are finally clicking into gear, and this weekend they welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford in a match that historically is full of excitement and lots of goals.
It may come as a surprise to know that Spurs have not won at Old Trafford for over twenty years, their last coming in December 1989 when they won 1-0 thanks to a Gary Lineker goal, and they have not beaten United at all in the last 25 meeting between the clubs.
Sir Alex Ferguson is expected to make wholesale changes from the team that defeated Wolves in the Carling Cup but one player expected to start on Saturday will he Javier Hernandez who has received special praise from the boss,
“His [Hernandez’s] performances have dictated the praise he has received,” Ferguson stated.
“We had a feeling he would break through and, therefore, it gives you a problem, but the right kind of problem.
“It will be difficult to leave Hernandez out. I’m not even suggesting he will be left out. He’s keeping his place in the team because he deserves to keep his place in the team,” He continued.
Edwin van der Sar, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra should all return in defence with the likelihood that Rafael will take up the right back position. But it is in midfield where United have looked light this season so whether or not Ferguson goes with a four or five man midfield could be key.
Nani and Paul Scholes will be pushing to get in the line up and after a good performance from Ji-Sung Park on Tuesday he may get a chance against Tottenham.
If there is a two-man strike force then expect Dimitar Berbatov to partner Chicarito.
The Mexican international has been garnishing praise from all corners and Tottenham Manager Harry Redknapp would even have him over Wayne Rooney,
“I’ll be truthful with you. I’d rather have Hernandez playing than Rooney,” Redknapp told reporters.
“He’s a good player but he’s got a long way to become as good as Rooney that’s for sure.
“Rooney has been off-form recently and he has not been at his best but he will come back to what he was. He’s a fantastic player. They will miss him – that’s for sure.”
His team though has a number of injury problems especially in defence where they are missing Michael Dawson, Verdan Corluka, Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate as well as Jermaine Defoe Tom Huddlestone.
One plus point for the away side has been the form of Gareth Bale but the Welsh international was kept quiet by former United star Phil Neville last week so that will give the defence some hope of quelling his creativity.
However United have a creative outlet in Nani who has seven assists in the league this season, more than any other player.
Prediction: 3-2 United
Probable Line Up: van der Sar; Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Nani, Fletcher, Scholes, Anderson; Hernandez, Berbatov.
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