Fixture: Man United vs Tottenham
Date: October 28th, 2017
Competition: English Premier League
Venue: Old Trafford, Man United
Kick-Off Time: 12:30
Betting Odds: Man United(2.35) Draw(3.3) Tottenham(3.40)
Jose Mourinho stated that the ‘better team won’ last week in his assessment of the 2-1 defeat away at Huddersfield. His United side lacked the required desire to get anything out of the game at the John Smith’s Stadium and the Red Devils won’t have it any easier at home to an in form Spurs team who are full of confidence. It’s second plays third in this one and a loss for either team may well see them 8 points adrift of Manchester City come Saturday evening.
Without a win in their last 2 Premier League matches, United were at least back to winning ways with a 2-0 win in the Carabao Cup at Swansea on Tuesday evening and there’s not too much cause for concern even after a loss to Huddersfield. Mourinho’s men haven’t conceded a goal yet at Old Trafford this season and their defensive capabilities will no doubt put them in a position to challenge for the Premier League title but their negativity may see them fall just short.
Tottenham who are much more positive in their approach as proved by their destruction of a Liverpool side whom United scraped a draw against and have a striker that can’t stop scoring in Harry Kane. They are a team built on a solid foundation that has gone from strength to strength over the last few seasons. Spurs are also the EPL’s leading scorers away from home with 12 goals.
United have their own prolific goalscorer In Lukaku but persistent critics still doubt his prowess (perhaps unfairly so) against the top sides. He and United appear to be missing the injured Paul Pogba more than most expected and he is expected to miss this match. All in all, this is match between 2 every good teams that could go either way and in those circumstances I’d prefer to be on the team priced at bigger odds. Given United’s excellent defensive record and negative style, I think I will play it safe however.
Man United
— Least goals conceded at home in top five English divisions (0)
— Lost 2-1 vs Huddersfield in their last game
— Took 5 more games to reach current total of 20 points last season
— Have kept 9 clean sheets in their last 11 league matches
Tottenham
— Most goals scored away from home in Premier League (12)
— Found a way past Liverpool last Sunday with a 3-1 home victory
— Have lost 9 of their last 11 league games when playing at Old Trafford
— Have won 5 of their last 6 league games