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#3 Manchester United to be boosted by Raphael Varane’s return
Manchester United were thoroughly outclassed by Liverpool’s lively attack on Sunday. Red Devils captain Harry Maguire was abysmal at the back and his partner Victor Lindelof was no better. United will look to bring Raphael Varane back into the fold this week, having missed the Liverpool match with a groin injury.
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The Frenchman is the most decorated defender in the team and has the quality to contain even the hungriest of attackers. Maguire also looks considerably more solid with Varane by his side, and Manchester United will need the two to find their chemistry against Tottenham.
Bringing a freshly recovered player into such a high-octane game is rarely a good idea. However, given the pressure Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under, we would be surprised if he does not start Varane against Spurs.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo to outshine Harry Kane
Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo had a dream re-debut last month, scoring a brace against Newcastle United at Old Trafford. Unfortunately, the Portuguese has not managed to maintain that momentum and is desperate to find his way back.
The 36-year-old forward primarily operates down the center of the pitch these days, but he can also drift wide from time to time. Tottenham Hotspur’s leaky defense should come as an encouragement for Ronaldo, who loves to exploit little pockets of space.
Expect the legendary number 7 to be hungrier than ever and pounce at least once.
His opposite number Harry Kane, on the other hand, has looked subdued since the start of the season. The Englishman has only scored once for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this season and has often cut a frustrating figure on the pitch.
With Varane set to return, Saturday’s encounter might turn out to be another frustrating day at the office for the England striker.
#1 Manchester United to beat Tottenham Hotspur by the narrowest of margins
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur may not have a classic Premier League rivalry, but they hate losing against one another. Both sets of players are eager to bounce back and Saturday’s afternoon clash presents them with the perfect opportunity to make a statement.
Unfortunately for the hosts, Saturday’s visitors have a clear advantage when the last five meetings are considered. Tottenham have only won one of their last five matches against Manchester United, with their last meeting ending in a 3-1 win for the Red Devils.
Manchester United also have their own fair share of issues, but they just might be able to see Tottenham Hotspur through this Saturday. We predict a narrow 2-1 win for the Red Devils at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
