Manchester United vs Spurs Preview and combined XI

By Conor Allatt -


Source: Reuters.com

On Wednesday 4th of December Manchester United face a huge test as Spurs come to visit Old Trafford. The game isn't only significant because of the two teams but also because of the two managers. Mourinho comes back to face United for the first time since he was sacked and Solskjaer will face the man he replaced in the Old Trafford dugout.

The season has been a disappointing one for both clubs this season, as both have made pretty poor starts to the season. Coming into this game, Spurs sit in 5th and United in 9th, both would have expected to be doing much better by the stage of the season. In their last 5 games in all competitions United have won 2, draw 2 and lost 1 while Spurs have won 4 of their lost 5 and all 3 games since Mourinho took charge. This form suggests that this will be a difficult test of Solskjaer and his men to overcome, however with how inconstant United have been throughout the season, anything is possible.

In terms of players, both sets of Spurs and United players have been wildly inconsistent this season. And as a result, it is hard to predict which players could shine in this game for both teams. The main threats for both teams would probably be Rashford for United and Kane for Spurs, as even though their seasons have been up and down, there have continued great goal scoring form. Additionally, other players to look out for would be Spurs’ Ndombele, who has made a great start to his new club this season, and United's De Gea, who has recently shown some of the form that made him United's 4 time Player of the Year award winner.

Combined XI: De Gea, Wan Bissaka, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Rose, Ndombele, McTominay, Eriksen, Son, Kane, Rashford

In terms of team news for United, Pogba is still injured and won't return in time for this game. However, United’s midfield problems could be eased, with the potential return of Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic. McTominay has missed United's last three games after picking up an injury against Brighton & Hove Albion, while Matic hasn’t featured since early October. This means that the team will most likely be a similar one to the one that drew 2-2 to Aston Villa at the weekend.

Predicted XI: De Gea, Wan Bissaka, Lindelöf, Maguire, Young, Fred, Pereira, Lingard, James, Rashford, Martial

Predicted Score: Manchester United 2-2 Spurs

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