Preview by Man Utd Web
It's time to move on! Manchester United play host to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, with the Red Devils desperate to put the horror of last week behind them. Anything other than three points for Sir Alex Ferguson's injury-ravaged side will finish off any slim hopes of a ninth Premiership crown.
United's league title hopes lay in tatters, and the team and supporters alike will know anything other than a victory against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford will keep very slim hopes of a ninth Premiership crown alive. However, Sir Alex Ferguson will have to field a makeshift team for the must win game against a Spurs side who still have ambitions European qualification, if not slim hopes of a top four finish.
Injury problems and of course the suspensions mean it will be another makeshift team named by Sir Alex Ferguson. Several players are facing late fitness tests with the defence once again a problem. Roy Keane has hamstring troubles, although isn't certain to start even if he is deemed fit with Fergie resting the Reds skipper for big United matches. Louis Saha, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mikael Silvestre are all also carrying injury troubles and are doubts for the clash. Eric Djemba-Djemba has returned to international duty with Cameroon, and is the only player who was ruled out of Sunday's visit to the City of Manchester Stadium that is definitely available for selection on Saturday.
Gary Neville is definitely out, serving the final game of his four-game domestic suspension following his sending off against rivals Manchester City in January's F.A Cup match. Do I even need to print that Rio Ferdinand is unavailable? The England international will miss his 12th game since being charged by the Football Association and the failure of his appeal during the week confirms this the case for a lot longer!
The long-list of possible absentees means Sir Alex is facing another reshuffle amongst the United ranks. The doubt over Ronaldo means Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could make his first start since returning from injury on the right flank or partnering Ruud Van Nistelrooy up front. Youngster Danny Pugh is also in contention for a place in the team, with the defence an option for the left-side of defence.
As for the visitors, Spurs look to set to name an attacking side and seem confident of a result against a Manchester United side very low on confidence. David Pleat could re-call Jamie Redknapp to the starting line-up, with the England international having a huge point to prove after coming through a 20-minute spell against Newcastle United in Tottenham's last Premiership encounter.
The United players will undoubtedly be feeling very low after the happenings of last week, but it is important the players focus on the league and restore some pride. After all, it isn't all about beating Manchester City, and with Europe now long away, the players have nothing else to think about except the F.A Cup. The atmosphere is likely to be a little subdued tomorrow, but please get behind the lads, and let's hope we can get a result. Maybe, just maybe, it isn't all over on the league front just yet.
One to Watch - Jermain Defoe
The former West Ham forward and England under-21 international joined David Pleat's Spurs during the transfer window, and has shown great promise since signing for the North London outfit. Defoe has a bit of a history of doing well against us, and is also looking to get a look in for a place in Sven-Goran Erikkson's England squad for the trip to Portugal for the European Championships in the summer.
ManUtdWeb Prediction - Manchester United 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur
United haven't kept a clean sheet in the Premiership since mid-January, so keeping the Tottenham attack out would be a huge morale booster for the team. Sir Alex Ferguson's men to sneak a victory against a spirited Spurs, which is sure to boost confidence.