Manchester United return to their Premier League commitments this Sunday as they head to North London to tackle fellow bottom-half rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a high-stakes showdown.
A battle of the 2 largest underperformers this season may decide the destiny of Spurs supervisor Ange Postecoglou after back-to-back cup eliminations.
Ruben Amorim may nudge his Tottenham counterpart over the sting, however it might be a mere comfort for Man Utd, contemplating not even a win would hearth them to the highest half of the desk.
Nevertheless, it might be a candy revenge for an embarrassing 3-0 loss at Outdated Trafford in September’s reverse fixture, which accelerated Erik ten Hag’s sacking.
Undesirable historical past
Amorim has already set a number of undesirable membership information since changing the Dutchman on the helm in November.
Dropping on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would see the 40-year-old equal one other unenviable feat as Man Utd may lose three consecutive matches towards Spurs in a single season for the primary time since 1989/90.
It was additionally the final time Tottenham pulled off a league double over the Purple Devils, testifying to United’s long-standing dominance on this match-up.
Extra importantly, it might see 14th-placed Spurs leapfrog Man Utd within the standings and successfully rule the 20-time English champions out of a late push for European qualification.
Glimmer of sunshine
Second-half targets from Joshua Zirkzee and Harry Maguire impressed United to a come-from-behind 2-1 win towards Leicester Metropolis within the FA Cup final weekend.
That was United’s fourth victory throughout their final 5 aggressive outings and helped them bounce again from a disheartening 2-0 league defeat to Crystal Palace.
Amorim’s expenses have additionally fared properly on the highway, profitable three consecutive outings outdoors Outdated Trafford, which means this journey might be a blessing in disguise.
The final two got here with out conceding, which is promising when factoring in Man Utd’s current defensive showings towards Tottenham within the capital.
Certainly, the Purple Devils have capitulated a number of occasions on their final three visits to Spurs’ house venue, together with a 4-3 defeat on this season’s League Cup quarter-finals.
Out-of-sorts opposition
After relinquishing a slender first-leg lead in a dismal League Cup elimination by the hands of Liverpool, Tottenham’s FA Cup journey ended final weekend at Aston Villa.
Postecoglou’s expenses slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Birmingham, losing one other likelihood to finish the membership’s humiliating 17-year title drought.
Heading into proceedings on the again of Premier League house matches with out profitable, Spurs can be determined to halt their worst house type in top-flight motion since 2008.
If it’s any comfort, Tottenham beat Brentford 2-0 of their final league outing and will make it two wins in a row for less than the second time this season.
Staff information
Amorim gave a regarding workforce replace within the pre-game convention, with Man Utd set to overlook a number of first-team stars on Sunday.
Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans and Mason Mount are unavailable for choice.
After initiating United’s comeback towards Leicester, Zirkzee may lead the road on the expense of the misfiring Rasmus Hojlund.
In the meantime, Ipswich City sensation Liam Delap, tipped to be the Purple Devils’ subsequent No 9, stays coy on his future amid Man Utd hyperlinks (by way of Metro).
How may Man Utd line up?
Winter signing Patrick Dorgu is in rivalry for his maiden Premier League look after an inspiring FA Cup debut.
Nevertheless, Diogo Dalot ought to get the nod on the left wing, with Noussair Mazraoui more likely to begin on the other flank.
Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Maguire ought to type the again trio.
Captain Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte will most likely forge the double pivot within the midfield.
Lastly, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo may begin behind Zirkzee within the ultimate third.
Potential line-up (3-4-2-1): Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Yoro; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dalot; Diallo, Garnacho; Zirkzee
