What: English Premier League
Who: Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United
When: Sunday 4th March, 2012, at 16:10 UK time
Where: White Hart Lane, London, England
Get Back in the Game
Not even the most ardent Arsenal fan could have pictured his side prevailing 5-2 over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend in London’s most famous derby. With their pride heavily hurt after succumbing to a side that has not been at their best level lately, let alone that side being Arsenal, Tottenham hold the chance to make amends against title aspirers Manchester United. Surely, a win at White Hart Lane would get the side back on track.
The defeat to the Gunners all but ended Tottenham’s title aspirations, as Harry Redknapp’s side find themselves a full ten points behind league leaders Manchester City. Nonetheless, star striker Emmanuel Adebayor urged his team to bounce back against Sir Alex Ferguson’s men.
“The Arsenal game has been a tough one, the defeat is very heavy, but we have to carry on. We have to keep focused. We have to show character in front of our fans and manage to win that game”, said the former Real Madrid star.
However, the effects of a straining season are making themselves felt, with Scott Parker suspended after being sent off last week, a major doubt over Gareth Bale’s fitness, while Rafael van der Vaart has also struggled with a niggle. Tom Huddleston remains in the treatment room.
Another Hurdle
Still two points behind neighbours Manchester City, Manchester United now face another test, this time in the form of Tottenham Hotspur, hoping that a potential win at White Hart Lane may be coupled with an unlikely Bolton Wanderers victory at the Etihad stadium. As the Red Devils are bagging the results week-in and week-out, the idea of catching up with the leaders seems less a case of ‘if’ and more a case of ‘when’.
With the game against Spurs approaching, manager Sir Alex Ferguson urged his side to be fully invested in the game that could potentially decide their season. “It’s going to be a massive game at Spurs. If we can survive that, then we’ll have a big chance of winning the league”, stated the Scotsman.
However, there was room for pessimism as Ferguson also conceded that former Old Trafford hitman Louis Saha could come back to haunt his former side. “He [Saha] is a handful, no doubt about that. He’s got two great feet, he’s quick, he’s got a good spring in the air. There’s no doubt he is a handful."
Holding the Premier League’s best away record with nine wins, three draws and a single defeat, the reigning champions will fancy their chances when they line up at White Hart Lane.
Recent form
Tottenham Hotspur:
Tottenham Hotspur 5-0 Newcastle (11/02; Premier League)
Stevenage 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur (19/02; FA Cup)
Arsenal 5-2 Tottenham Hotspur (26/02; Premier League)
Manchester United:
Ajax 0-2 Manchester United (16/02; Europa League)
Manchester United 1-2 Ajax (23/02; Europa League)
Norwich City 1-2 Manchester United (26/02; Premier League)
Key absences
Tottenham Hotspur: Rafael van der Vaart (doubt); Kyle Walker (doubt); William Gallas (doubt); David Bentley; Tom Huddlestone; Scott Parker (suspended)
Manchester United: Chris Smalling (doubt); Tom Cleverley (doubt); Antonio Valencia (doubt); Anders Lindegaard (doubt); Anderson (doubt); Darren Fletcher; Nemanja Vidic; Michael Owen
Players to watch
Tottenham Hotspur – Luka Modric: There is no doubt that the Croatian can be the difference maker in this game. He simply oozes class and can be one of Europe’s best playmakers on his day. The Manchester United defence will need to keep him contained.
Manchester United – David de Gea: His recent string of impressive displays continues, amidst reports that Anders Lindegaard will be making his return from injury soon. De Gea will need to carry on should he want to convince his employers that he is worthy of a starting berth.
Match Prediction
Manchester United appear closer than ever to topping the Premier League as they have been relentless on Manchester City’s trail. At home, Tottenham have lost only once so far this season, but Manchester United seem to want it more and will want to come back with all three points. Expect a tight affair between the two sides with a final slim win for Manchester United.
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