So Nani and Assou Ekotto is a draw but Bale and Rafael is a Bale win 
Tottenham v Manchester United
- Thread starter Maciej
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The team basically picks itself if we have Rooney and Vidic back from injury, I just hope Anderson starts.
Yeh exactly. The only question is will it be Palacios, Sandro or Jenas. The rest of the team is a cert so we should know exactly what to expect.
I still fancy us to start the game in a 451/433. I hope we don't. I'm hoping to see:
VDS
Rafael Ferdinand Vidic Evra
Nani Carrick Anderson Giggs
Rooney Berbatov
Rafael Ferdinand Vidic Evra
Nani Carrick Anderson Giggs
Rooney Berbatov
I'd say your fullbacks are the main weakness then and Nani should get alot of joy coming inside and running at Gallas. I've noticed a few times this season Ekotto leaving players alone in that situation.
You're greatest threat will probably come from Bale and VdV, so playing Fletcher should give Rafael some help at dealing with Bale. While Carrick and Anderson can put pressure on Modric and VdV.
I don't rate Defoe in the slightest and Vidic/Rio will keep him quiet. Not sure about Pav though, he seems to turn it on in the big games. Could be a tricky player to bring on late in the game.
Personally i'm really looking forward to this game. Should be an excellent game of football.
I have a good feeling about this one - i think this could be the game we really kick on
i predict a 3-1 win (similar to last year)
i predict a 3-1 win (similar to last year)
We'll go 2-0 down at half time then beat them 6-2...
Or something like that...
Or something like that...
Win + One game less = Our chances to win the league are higher
Rafa van der Vaart v Michael Carrick
Mabbutt says: The Dutchman has been an absolute revelation since he arrived, his timing, passing and experience at top flight clubs has brought something totally new to the club.
Carrick will play a deeper role and have his hands full dealing with Van der Vaart’s movement, stopping him from playing his natural game.
Verdict: Home advantage will make the difference, Spurs will press and Carrick will be given the run around by Van der Vaart.
Michael Dawson v Dimitar Berbatov
Mabbutt says: I’m not sure Berbatov will receive the warmest of receptions on his return to Tottenham! But the Bulgarian will have enough to deal with besides the fans as he’s meeting Dawson who is in sparkling form.
The captain is excellent with the ball at his feet and in the air and will be all over Berbatov who is likely to lead the line.
Verdict: The home fans will delight as Dawson harasses and harangues Berbatov out of this one.
Gareth Bale v Rafael da Silva
Mabbutt says: Another match up to really whet the appetite. Two of the fastest players in the league on their day, this battle could well decide the outcome of this game.
Teams tend to double up on Bale when they come to Tottenham which has two effects: firstly it leaves space elsewhere on the pitch, it also limits the full back’s attacking options as he’ll be wary of Bale’s relentless forays upfield.
Verdict: The Welsh winger will find it hard as United pack the midfield but has the edge over Rafael.
Jermain Defoe v Rio Ferdinand
Mabbutt says: I’m a real admirer of Ferdinand, when he’s on top of his game he remains one of the best centre-backs in the world, as long as he stays fit. And he knows all about Defoe’s game, the two have had many battles down the years.
The United skipper will have to be on his mettle too as Defoe will try and pull him out of position, leave gaps in the defence and try and give Ferdinand as many headaches as he can.
Verdict: Consummate defending of Ferdinand against the skill and trickery of Defoe? Honours even.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto v Nani
Mabbutt says: I’ve been a fan of Assou-Ekotto since he arrived and he’s flourished under Redknapp who has brought the attacking best out of him. Going forward I have no problem with him, but he still has elements of defending to learn which will make it a very difficult afternoon for him up against one of the best players in his position in the world in Nani.
Like Bale, the Portuguese will need doubling-up on, if not there could be trouble.
Verdict: If Assou-Ekotto gets support, it will be an honourable draw, if he doesn’t, he will struggle.
this is so biased towards spurs its laughable.
Nani is a counter-attacking threat, but Van der Vaart will run Carrick ragged - Gary Mabbutt sizes up five key battles ahead Tottenham v Manchester United - Goal.com
What the feck is that?
Did he watch the game at Old Trafford?And does he watch Spurs play? If so, is his eyesight impared whilst looking towards the Spurs left back position?
Would expect nothing less than mind games from Redknapp when you consider Spurs have failed to beat us in their last 23 attempts.
5-0
Giggs pen.
Giggs pen.
First good feeling I've seen in relation to this match, lots of folk with bad feelings though.
I know this is the best Spurs side for a while, so I can understand some pessimism, but this is normally a game where we play quite well too.
Plus, they have a massive phobia playing against us and they can be got at defensively.
Rafael kept Bale quiet at OT.
When you think about it like that, its really quite straight forward
Plus, they have a massive phobia playing against us and they can be got at defensively.
Rafael kept Bale quiet at OT.
When you think about it like that, its really quite straight forward
I know this is the best Spurs side for a while, so I can understand some pessimism, but this is normally a game where we play quite well too.
Plus, they have a massive phobia playing against us and they can be got at defensively.
Rafael kept Bale quiet at OT.
When you think about it like that, its really quite straight forward
Rafael kept Robinho quiet, he also kept Ribery quiet until for some reason being pushed away by someone results in you getting booked. His pace will help us out no end, and if it's anything like the reverse leg Nani and Rafael will keep Bale pegged further back in his own half helping out Ekotto.
So, we are with Kuszczak in goal against Spurs?
Depends who you believe, the BBC or SAF.
Why are there strange kick off times on Sunday? I don't understand.
Its police request for the 3 derby games.
What? So they can get home at the end of their shifts to watch them?
A text I got from two different people today...
Wayne Rooney is going to miss this game against Spurs though injury so Ferguson will stick with Berbatov and Webb upfront.
Wayne Rooney is going to miss this game against Spurs though injury so Ferguson will stick with Berbatov and Webb upfront.
Two best clubs in the league this season, should be a cracker.
Rafa van der Vaart v Michael Carrick
Mabbutt says: The Dutchman has been an absolute revelation since he arrived, his timing, passing and experience at top flight clubs has brought something totally new to the club.
Carrick will play a deeper role and have his hands full dealing with Van der Vaart’s movement, stopping him from playing his natural game.
Verdict: Home advantage will make the difference, Spurs will press and Carrick will be given the run around by Van der Vaart.
Michael Dawson v Dimitar Berbatov
Mabbutt says: I’m not sure Berbatov will receive the warmest of receptions on his return to Tottenham! But the Bulgarian will have enough to deal with besides the fans as he’s meeting Dawson who is in sparkling form.
The captain is excellent with the ball at his feet and in the air and will be all over Berbatov who is likely to lead the line.
Verdict: The home fans will delight as Dawson harasses and harangues Berbatov out of this one.
Gareth Bale v Rafael da Silva
Mabbutt says: Another match up to really whet the appetite. Two of the fastest players in the league on their day, this battle could well decide the outcome of this game.
Teams tend to double up on Bale when they come to Tottenham which has two effects: firstly it leaves space elsewhere on the pitch, it also limits the full back’s attacking options as he’ll be wary of Bale’s relentless forays upfield.
Verdict: The Welsh winger will find it hard as United pack the midfield but has the edge over Rafael.
Jermain Defoe v Rio Ferdinand
Mabbutt says: I’m a real admirer of Ferdinand, when he’s on top of his game he remains one of the best centre-backs in the world, as long as he stays fit. And he knows all about Defoe’s game, the two have had many battles down the years.
The United skipper will have to be on his mettle too as Defoe will try and pull him out of position, leave gaps in the defence and try and give Ferdinand as many headaches as he can.
Verdict: Consummate defending of Ferdinand against the skill and trickery of Defoe? Honours even.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto v Nani
Mabbutt says: I’ve been a fan of Assou-Ekotto since he arrived and he’s flourished under Redknapp who has brought the attacking best out of him. Going forward I have no problem with him, but he still has elements of defending to learn which will make it a very difficult afternoon for him up against one of the best players in his position in the world in Nani.
Like Bale, the Portuguese will need doubling-up on, if not there could be trouble.
Verdict: If Assou-Ekotto gets support, it will be an honourable draw, if he doesn’t, he will struggle.
this is so biased towards spurs its laughable.
Nani is a counter-attacking threat, but Van der Vaart will run Carrick ragged - Gary Mabbutt sizes up five key battles ahead Tottenham v Manchester United - Goal.com
what in the feck is that?! ooooh I forgot pens against Spurs count for 5 goals, excellent!
Gary fecking Muppet.
How much does anyone want to bet that Gomes doesn't put the ball down until a whistle blows this time?
Course it is, he played for Spurs for 16 years.Rafa van der Vaart v Michael Carrick
Mabbutt says: The Dutchman has been an absolute revelation since he arrived, his timing, passing and experience at top flight clubs has brought something totally new to the club.
Carrick will play a deeper role and have his hands full dealing with Van der Vaart’s movement, stopping him from playing his natural game.
Verdict: Home advantage will make the difference, Spurs will press and Carrick will be given the run around by Van der Vaart.
Michael Dawson v Dimitar Berbatov
Mabbutt says: I’m not sure Berbatov will receive the warmest of receptions on his return to Tottenham! But the Bulgarian will have enough to deal with besides the fans as he’s meeting Dawson who is in sparkling form.
The captain is excellent with the ball at his feet and in the air and will be all over Berbatov who is likely to lead the line.
Verdict: The home fans will delight as Dawson harasses and harangues Berbatov out of this one.
Gareth Bale v Rafael da Silva
Mabbutt says: Another match up to really whet the appetite. Two of the fastest players in the league on their day, this battle could well decide the outcome of this game.
Teams tend to double up on Bale when they come to Tottenham which has two effects: firstly it leaves space elsewhere on the pitch, it also limits the full back’s attacking options as he’ll be wary of Bale’s relentless forays upfield.
Verdict: The Welsh winger will find it hard as United pack the midfield but has the edge over Rafael.
Jermain Defoe v Rio Ferdinand
Mabbutt says: I’m a real admirer of Ferdinand, when he’s on top of his game he remains one of the best centre-backs in the world, as long as he stays fit. And he knows all about Defoe’s game, the two have had many battles down the years.
The United skipper will have to be on his mettle too as Defoe will try and pull him out of position, leave gaps in the defence and try and give Ferdinand as many headaches as he can.
Verdict: Consummate defending of Ferdinand against the skill and trickery of Defoe? Honours even.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto v Nani
Mabbutt says: I’ve been a fan of Assou-Ekotto since he arrived and he’s flourished under Redknapp who has brought the attacking best out of him. Going forward I have no problem with him, but he still has elements of defending to learn which will make it a very difficult afternoon for him up against one of the best players in his position in the world in Nani.
Like Bale, the Portuguese will need doubling-up on, if not there could be trouble.
Verdict: If Assou-Ekotto gets support, it will be an honourable draw, if he doesn’t, he will struggle.
this is so biased towards spurs its laughable.
Nani is a counter-attacking threat, but Van der Vaart will run Carrick ragged - Gary Mabbutt sizes up five key battles ahead Tottenham v Manchester United - Goal.com
You expect him to be biased towards United!
They've got to fit them (3) all in on Sky before La Liga matches start.
Yeah I m not comfortable at all with PIG in goal for THIS game just because of the quality of the opposition. VDV is going to be firing shots whenever he gets a chance. PIG better be ready and on his toes the whole game.
..
he is not as good as a fit VDS..but VDS is not fully fit, we have no choice. Besides PIG seems to be trying to prove he is good enough to be No. 1.
And does he watch Spurs play? If so, is his eyesight impared whilst looking towards the Spurs left back position?
It's funny, Bale has struggled against every rightback he's faced at United (basically the whole lot Neville, O'Shea, Brown, Rafael) bar an out of positioned Fabio da Silva and even then failed to make a big impression.
Lennon's a bigger threat, Bale's just back from injury he won't be a difference maker and it wouldn't surprise me to see him benched.
I wonder if we'll see Neville on the bench, it seems Brown and O'Shea are only fit enough for the reserves. Given Phil's efforts, I wouldn't be too concerned if Neville started.
If Neville starts and gets taken off for Rafael later in the game, United will win.
Making a decent shout of it, too. Didn't think he was at fault for either of the goals Stoke and West Brom had. Still not entirely comfortable with him in goal, but given the eight-figure fees that seem to be associated with potential replacements, he might well be good enough to hang onto.
..
I believe none of it (including anything SAF says) until the official lineup comes out.
Rafa van der Vaart v Michael Carrick
Mabbutt says: The Dutchman has been an absolute revelation since he arrived, his timing, passing and experience at top flight clubs has brought something totally new to the club.
Carrick will play a deeper role and have his hands full dealing with Van der Vaart’s movement, stopping him from playing his natural game.
Verdict: Home advantage will make the difference, Spurs will press and Carrick will be given the run around by Van der Vaart.
Michael Dawson v Dimitar Berbatov
Mabbutt says: I’m not sure Berbatov will receive the warmest of receptions on his return to Tottenham! But the Bulgarian will have enough to deal with besides the fans as he’s meeting Dawson who is in sparkling form.
The captain is excellent with the ball at his feet and in the air and will be all over Berbatov who is likely to lead the line.
Verdict: The home fans will delight as Dawson harasses and harangues Berbatov out of this one.
Gareth Bale v Rafael da Silva
Mabbutt says: Another match up to really whet the appetite. Two of the fastest players in the league on their day, this battle could well decide the outcome of this game.
Teams tend to double up on Bale when they come to Tottenham which has two effects: firstly it leaves space elsewhere on the pitch, it also limits the full back’s attacking options as he’ll be wary of Bale’s relentless forays upfield.
Verdict: The Welsh winger will find it hard as United pack the midfield but has the edge over Rafael.
Jermain Defoe v Rio Ferdinand
Mabbutt says: I’m a real admirer of Ferdinand, when he’s on top of his game he remains one of the best centre-backs in the world, as long as he stays fit. And he knows all about Defoe’s game, the two have had many battles down the years.
The United skipper will have to be on his mettle too as Defoe will try and pull him out of position, leave gaps in the defence and try and give Ferdinand as many headaches as he can.
Verdict: Consummate defending of Ferdinand against the skill and trickery of Defoe? Honours even.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto v Nani
Mabbutt says: I’ve been a fan of Assou-Ekotto since he arrived and he’s flourished under Redknapp who has brought the attacking best out of him. Going forward I have no problem with him, but he still has elements of defending to learn which will make it a very difficult afternoon for him up against one of the best players in his position in the world in Nani.
Like Bale, the Portuguese will need doubling-up on, if not there could be trouble.
Verdict: If Assou-Ekotto gets support, it will be an honourable draw, if he doesn’t, he will struggle.
this is so biased towards spurs its laughable.
Nani is a counter-attacking threat, but Van der Vaart will run Carrick ragged - Gary Mabbutt sizes up five key battles ahead Tottenham v Manchester United - Goal.com
When did Ferdinand become our captain?
Very poor article.
That Mabutt article is shocking. We all know he's ex Spurs but if he's going to do one on the game he should at least try to remain unbiased.
United didn't win a single one of his battles and I love how Rio v Defoe is a draw but Berbatov v Dawson is a Dawson win.
Shit player. Shit pundit.
United didn't win a single one of his battles and I love how Rio v Defoe is a draw but Berbatov v Dawson is a Dawson win.
Shit player. Shit pundit.
I really can't make my mind up on what Fergie will do here. Part of me thinks he will play his cautious 433 but part of me thinks he'll go 442 and partner Berbatov with Rooney.
We played 442 last season but played with 3 central midfielders and Giggs as the 4 in the middle and it was a really good performance by us.
Spurs are more dangerous this time round though with Van Der Vaart in the side and Bale having now decided to pull his finger out.
We played 442 last season but played with 3 central midfielders and Giggs as the 4 in the middle and it was a really good performance by us.
Spurs are more dangerous this time round though with Van Der Vaart in the side and Bale having now decided to pull his finger out.
Some shocking logic doing the rounds at the moment. United haven't played well and so are due a defeat... Errrr, or maybe we're due to play well. Spastics. I think we're going to mete out a proper football lesson tomorrow. 3-1.
Aye. I don't usually buy into this ABU bullshit but it would seem most pundits, papers and even commentators have been dying to see us lose for ages now.