Manchester United returns to Premier League action this weekend to play host to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag's team comes in off the back of a 1–1 draw vs. FC Twente in the Europa League. A late goal from Sam Lammers spoiled it for United winning just three of its first seven games in all competitions.

United is level on points in the Premier League table with Tottenham. Both sides have accumulated 10 points through five matches.

Against Twente, ten Hag opted to start key players like Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, André Onana and Lisandro Martínez. The former Ajax boss will need all four players to take the pitch Saturday in a bid to get his first win against Spurs since the 2022–23 season.

Predicted Lineups

The expected lineups for both teams are as follows:

Manchester United

• GK: André Onana – Onana has kept two straight Premier League clean sheets but faces a tough task of extending that streak against Tottenham.
• RB: Noussair Mazraoui – The Morocco international takes up shop at right-back once again due to United's lack of players available in defense.
• CB: Matthijs de Ligt – Ten Hag's right-hand man returns to the heart of defense after catching his breath on the bench during the midweek.
• CB: Lisandro Martínez – The 26-year-old is set to make his sixth start of the season in the backline, looking to form a solid partnership alongside de Ligt.
• LB: Diogo Dalot – The right-back turned left-back keeps his place in the team with Luke Shaw still recovering from injury.
• DM: Kobbie Mainoo – The 19-year-old should start in the middle of the park to keep up against the Tottenham midfield.
• DM: Manuel Ugarte – As Eriksen nearly played the full match against Twente, Ugarte should slot into the midfield alongside Mainoo as he has the legs to keep up with the likes of Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur.
• RW: Alejandro Garnacho – With Rashford on the opposite wing, Garnacho is more likely to get the start on the right-hand side as he played just over 20 minutes vs. Twente.
• AM: Bruno Fernandes – Arguably United's most important player starts as the team's primarily creative outlet.
• LW: Marcus Rashford – Rashford looks to use his pace against Tottenham's high line to spring forward on counter-attacks.
• ST: Joshua Zirkzee – Zirkzee keeps his spot after being favored in the opening stages of the new season.

Tottenham Hotspur

With Son Heung-min doubtful, the following lineup is possible:

• GK: Guglielmo Vicario
• RB: Pedro Porro
• CB: Cristian Romero
• CB: Micky van de Ven
• LB: Destiny Udogie
• DM: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg
• DM: Yves Bissouma
• RW: Dejan Kulusevski
• AM: James Maddison
• LW: Manor Solomon
• ST: Richarlison

Ten Hag's Tactical Approach

Ten Hag is known for his tactical flexibility, and he will likely deploy a 4-3-3 formation to try to control the midfield and create opportunities for Rashford and Garnacho on the wings. He has emphasized the importance of creating scoring chances, but United's struggles in that area have been a concern.

Postecoglou's Counter-Attack Strategy

Postecoglou, meanwhile, is expected to field a 4-4-2 formation with a focus on counter-attacks. He has also spoken about his desire to play an attacking style of football but he'll need to manage his attacking ambitions against a Manchester United side that might be willing to play a low-block and spring counter-attacks of their own.

Key Players

Bruno Fernandes and James Maddison

The midfield battle between Bruno Fernandes and James Maddison will be pivotal in determining the outcome of the match. Both players are known for their creativity, passing range, and goal-scoring ability. Maddison delivered a superb performance against Brentford last time out in the Premier League, providing an assist for Dominic Solanke before scoring Spurs' third with a delightful chip over goalkeeper Mark Flekken. It will be up to Ugarte to stop the Spurs midfielder and allow Mainoo to dictate the tempo for United in midfield.

Marcus Rashford and Richarlison

Another key battle will be between Marcus Rashford and Richarlison. Both forwards are known for their pace, power, and goal-scoring instincts. Rashford, despite his recent goal drought, has shown glimpses of his potential, scoring a brace against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup. While Richarlison has been unlucky with injuries but has also proven to be a dangerous player with the ball at his feet. Both players are key to their respective teams' attacking threat.

Lisandro Martínez and Cristian Romero

The battle between Lisandro Martínez and Cristian Romero will be one to watch, as two of the league's best centre-backs go head-to-head. Martínez has been a key part of United's success since his arrival, winning the Player of the Year award last season, while Romero is an aggressive, physical centre-back known for his ability to disrupt opposition attacks. Their individual battles are sure to be a key factor in the game's outcome.

The Biggest Takeaway

This match promises to be a tight and exciting affair. Both teams have shown glimpses of brilliance this season, but they have also struggled for consistency. The winner of this match will gain a significant psychological advantage in the race for a top-four finish. It is clear that United are looking to build on their success of last season, while Spurs are looking to establish themselves as a serious contender. However, both teams will be acutely aware of the fact that they are not in the best form at the moment.

Prediction

United have a 1-3-6 (W-D-L) record in their last 10 league games against the traditional “big six” Premier League teams. Ten Hag's team are looking to avoid going four consecutive matches without a win over Spurs in the Premier League. They once went on a five-game winless streak between 2012 and 2014. Spurs have lost their last five league matches against opponents from the “big six” and are looking to avoid registering a six-game losing streak for the first time since the 2020-21 season. The north London club are on a three-game winning streak in all competitions and are seeking to notch their first four-game winning streak since they did so during September and October 2023. The stats point towards a close, possibly even a score draw, between the two sides.

What the Fans are Saying

The build-up to this game has been met with a mix of anticipation and trepidation from fans of both teams. Some fans are cautiously optimistic about their team's chances while others are concerned about their recent form.

A Clash of Styles

This match promises to be a fascinating tactical battle. Ten Hag's United is known for its possession-based style of play, while Postecoglou's Tottenham is more direct and counter-attacking. It will be interesting to see how these two contrasting styles clash on the pitch.

A Vital Match for Both Sides

The game has significant implications for both teams' season ambitions. United is looking to maintain its momentum and make a strong push for a top-four finish, while Tottenham is eager to make a statement and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with. With a lot on the line, this match is sure to be one of the most exciting of the weekend.

The Next Chapter

This match is just the beginning of a long and arduous journey for both teams. It is a match that could set the tone for the rest of the season. The outcome will provide a glimpse into the potential of both clubs and their ability to compete at the highest level of English football. This is a match that has the potential to be a turning point for both teams' seasons. Fans of both sides will be eagerly awaiting the clash, hoping to see their team emerge victorious. The match promises to be a spectacle of passion, skill, and determination. A match that will be long remembered for its intensity and unpredictability.