Premier League 2018-19: 3 Key battles that will decide the outcome of the game between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur would square off in one of the most anticipated games of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's career. The caretaker boss has won all five games as manager, but the opposition was mostly small teams. Spurs at Wembley would be the first real test for the Norwegian, who knows well that a win would give a significant boost to their top four chances at the end of the season.

If the game were scheduled a month back, then Pochettino's side would have been firm favorites considering United's dismal form under Jose Mourinho. However, there is an aura of positivity around the Manchester club right now which makes this fixture a pretty even contest.

A win for Spurs would take them further close to the league leaders Liverpool, whereas defeat would more or less end their pursuit of the Premier League title. Both sides have got a bundle of quality in their ranks who can win games singlehandedly. More often than not, in his high voltage fixtures, it's the individual battles which decide the outcome of the game.

Hence, without further delay, let's look at crucial clashes to watch out for in his mouthwatering fixture.

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#3 Harry Kane vs Victor Lindelof

Kane would look to add to his tally against United.

Harry Kane is a goal poacher who is deadly in the opposition's six-yard box. He can score from even half chances and sometimes pulls a long ranger out of the hat as well. Not many defenders enjoy playing against the English International as his tall stature helps him to hold up the play whenever necessary and bring the likes of Son and Alli into the game. Kane is active in the air as well as seen on numerous occasions in the past.

United has been struggling to form a stable defensive partnership since the start of 2018-19 campaign. The likes of Jones, Smalling, Bailly, and Rojo all failed to earn Jose Mourinho's trust and battling hard to cement a place under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However, one man who has exceeded expectations is the Swedish center back, Victor Lindelof. He is skillful with the ball and has a decent pace for a defender.

The battle between the two would be an interesting one and whoever wins the duel could have a huge impact in this fixture.

#2 Sissoko/Winks vs Paul Pogba

Pogba is finally happy and enjoying life at Manchester United.

With Eric Dier ruled out due to injury, the defensive midfield responsibility would lie on the shoulders of Moussa Sissoko and Harry Winks. The Frenchman can play as a right winger as well which gives Pochettino some versatility in the squad. Winks has been getting more game time recently after injuries to Dembele and Wanyama reduced the Argentine's option in the middle of the park.

Both of them would be up against a rejuvenated Paul Pogba who is gradually proving his worth at Manchester United. The last few games under Solskhaer were a testament of what Pogba is capable of, and he could have a massive say in this fixture as well.

Paul missed the FA Cup clash against Reading and would be fresh and fit for the Spurs game. The Frenchman has the luxury to move forward and showcase his creativity in the attacking third which is a dangerous sign for Pochettino and his men.

#1 Toby Alderweireld vs Marcus Rashford

Rashford is currently United's number one center forward.

Toby Alderweireld could have played in this fixture as a Manchester United player if everything went according to the plan in the summer transfer market. The Belgian is one of the most wanted defenders after he decided not to sign a new contract with the North London side.

Toby is a ball playing defender who is stable in the air as well. His positioning and reading of the game are immaculate which helped the Belgian to form a solid defensive partnership with the fellow countrymen, Jan Vertongen in the last couple of seasons.

Alderweireld would have to be at his top game to stop a high flying Marcus Rashford in this fixture. The England International has been in sublime form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and played in his preferred center forward position.

Rashford's most notable contribution came against Bournemouth where he dribbled past two defenders for Paul Pogba to tap in from a couple of yards out. His pace and skill is a nightmare to defend, and the Belgian cannot let his guard down at any point in time.