Our third top six clash of the season sees Manchester United host Tottenham on Monday evening. The previous, both involving Unai Emery’s Arsenal, have been brilliant to watch. This one is unlikely to be the same thriller for the neutrals.
Manchester United are the centre of attention right now and not in a good way. Their defeat to Brighton at the weekend was not just a concern because of the result, but the performance was abysmal at both ends of the field.
Mino Raiola’s outburst at Paul Scholes’ post-match comments added another few barrels of petrol to the fire. Jose Mourinho’s preseason frustration at transfers has grown into something more difficult. It feels like they are a club in turmoil yet again.
Tottenham, in stark contrast, have started well despite the chaos with their new stadium. The furore over a quiet transfer window has almost been forgotten after beginning the season with two wins and the return of Toby Alderweireld to the side is significant.
Pochettino built bridges with the Belgian – who looked destined to depart this summer – which has given him another defensive option compared to the end of last season.
Spurs have not had it all their own way so far, however. Newcastle made it difficult, and Fulham equalised through Aleksandar Mitrovic in the second half.
However, Pochettino’s side have managed to create chances regularly, even with Harry Kane clearly still struggling for fitness. Christian Eriksen is a big part of that, and he will play a key role in their build-up play at Old Trafford. The Dane is 13/4 to give an assist.
Manchester United’s midfield has been dysfunctional. Yes, that has been the case for years, but the arrival of Fred was meant to help matters. The former Shakhtar man has not played well in his two matches so far. Pogba was okay against Leicester but is still a shadow of his World Cup self.
Tottenham will flood the middle third and could really control the game. Fred has been rash so far, making his 2/1 to get booked a solid price.
Mourinho is likely to make changes to his defence for Monday night. Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof had a torrid time last weekend, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see both left out.
The United boss might have demanded to buy more players, but the performance – and his usage – of the players he has bought doesn’t suggest that would have helped.
Mourinho’s teams are usually solid defensively if nothing else. It’s hard to see such a stark turnaround on this occasion. Tottenham to score over 1.5 goals at 17/10 is good value.
Although the service may well be minimal, Romelu Lukaku to score anytime at 39/20 is a decent price. Spurs have not been rock solid at the back so far, and Lukaku could take advantage on the counter during spells of prolonged Spurs possession.
It would be textbook Mourinho to pull a result from nowhere here. Everything we have seen from United suggests otherwise, however. Their defence will be ripped apart if it’s anything like it was at Brighton and Spurs have the players to completely control the middle of the pitch.
Mourinho’s future will be in serious doubt with defeat here. Spurs are the better team right now, and should get the win, but Kane’s struggles give United a chance, albeit a small one.
TIP: Tottenham to win @ 37/20
PREDICTED SCORE: Man United 1-2 Spurs (Priced at 9/1 with 888sport)
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
