Manchester United return to their Premier League commitments this Sunday as they head to North London to tackle fellow bottom-half rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a high-stakes showdown.
A battle of the 2 largest underperformers this season may decide the destiny of Spurs supervisor Ange Postecoglou after back-to-back cup eliminations.
Ruben Amorim may nudge his Tottenham counterpart over the sting, however it could be a mere comfort for Man Utd, contemplating not even a win would hearth them to the highest half of the desk.
Nonetheless, it could be a candy revenge for an embarrassing 3-0 loss at Previous Trafford in September’s reverse fixture, which accelerated Erik ten Hag’s sacking.
Undesirable historical past
Amorim has already set a number of undesirable membership data since changing the Dutchman on the helm in November.
Shedding on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would see the 40-year-old equal one other unenviable feat as Man Utd may lose three consecutive matches in opposition to Spurs in a single season for the primary time since 1989/90.
It was additionally the final time Tottenham pulled off a league double over the Pink Devils, testifying to United’s long-standing dominance on this match-up.
Extra importantly, it could see 14th-placed Spurs leapfrog Man Utd within the standings and successfully rule the 20-time English champions out of a late push for European qualification.
Glimmer of sunshine
Second-half targets from Joshua Zirkzee and Harry Maguire impressed United to a come-from-behind 2-1 win in opposition to Leicester Metropolis within the FA Cup final weekend.
That was United’s fourth victory throughout their final 5 aggressive outings and helped them bounce again from a disheartening 2-0 league defeat to Crystal Palace.
Amorim’s prices have additionally fared nicely on the highway, successful three consecutive outings exterior Previous Trafford, which means this journey may very well be a blessing in disguise.
The final two got here with out conceding, which is promising when factoring in Man Utd’s current defensive showings in opposition to Tottenham within the capital.
Certainly, the Pink Devils have capitulated a number of occasions on their final three visits to Spurs’ dwelling venue, together with a 4-3 defeat on this season’s League Cup quarter-finals.
Out-of-sorts opposition
After relinquishing a slender first-leg lead in a dismal League Cup elimination by the hands of Liverpool, Tottenham’s FA Cup journey ended final weekend at Aston Villa.
Postecoglou’s prices slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Birmingham, losing one other likelihood to finish the membership’s humiliating 17-year title drought.
Heading into proceedings on the again of Premier League dwelling matches with out successful, Spurs shall be determined to halt their worst dwelling kind in top-flight motion since 2008.
If it’s any comfort, Tottenham beat Brentford 2-0 of their final league outing and will make it two wins in a row for less than the second time this season.
Workforce information
Amorim gave a regarding group replace within the pre-game convention, with Man Utd set to overlook a number of first-team stars on Sunday.
Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans and Mason Mount are unavailable for choice.
After initiating United’s comeback in opposition to Leicester, Zirkzee could lead on the road on the expense of the misfiring Rasmus Hojlund.
In the meantime, Ipswich City sensation Liam Delap, tipped to be the Pink Devils’ subsequent No 9, stays coy on his future amid Man Utd hyperlinks (by way of Metro).
How may Man Utd line up?
Winter signing Patrick Dorgu is in rivalry for his maiden Premier League look after an inspiring FA Cup debut.
Nonetheless, Diogo Dalot ought to get the nod on the left wing, with Noussair Mazraoui more likely to begin on the alternative flank.
Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Maguire ought to kind the again trio.
Captain Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte will in all probability forge the double pivot within the midfield.
Lastly, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo may begin behind Zirkzee within the last third.
Potential line-up (3-4-2-1): Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Yoro; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dalot; Diallo, Garnacho; Zirkzee
