Tottenham v Manchester United

I noticed that. Wierd. When I posted the pic I thought 'what a freak' :lol:

We will lose this game anyway. Every away game I goto we lose. :(

Well then you have an easy decision to make. Don't you bloody go to this game! Sell your ticket to someone else.
 
MOgdenTelegraph

#Rooney and Scholes have trained all week at #mufc. Rooney set to face #thfc on Sunday, Scholes in squad.
 
TBH I wouldn't be against lining up exactly how we did last season when we really dominated the game. Midfield of Fletcher - Scholes - Giggs - Anderson that day
 
I'd really love to beat them by a few goals, get a good result on the road, and comfortable too; that'd be good on old Bob's heart
 
dreading this match, Just hope we avoid defeat will do
 
So, which Man. Utd players are injured/doubtful/suspended/absent for this match?
 
Lawro predicts Spurs to beat Manchester United

"BBC football pundit Mark Lawrenson has predicted that Tottenham Hotspur will beat Manchester United on Sunday.

He told BBC Sport Online: “Tottenham were left aggrieved by refereeing decisions in their defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford in October, and Spurs goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes is probably still losing sleep over the way Nani scored after he had rolled the ball out thinking he had a free-kick.

“But Spurs still gave it a real go in that game and, especially at White Hart Lane, they are capable of giving any side a real defensive examination. I know United have not lost in the Premier League all season but I think their unbeaten record will end here.

“Tottenham will throw everything at them and, seeing as he has spent the week training with Spurs, you can probably throw in the David Beckham-factor as being a big plus for them as well – not that he is likely to play, but just because he has been around the place.

“Spurs are certainly in touch with the sides at the top of the table, but I cannot see them winning the title. We saw against Everton last week that they have one or two shortcomings defensively. Going forward they are absolutely brilliant but at the back they are not strong enough to win the title.

“Prediction: 2-1.”

Lawro predicts Spurs to beat Manchester United | Spurs News and Rumours | Tottenham Hotspur News
 
Harry Redknapp writes:

ALEX FERGUSON knows his wines - but this won't be a vintage season for Manchester United on the pitch.

"As good as they are I do not think they are good enough to go through the whole season unbeaten.

Even if they win the Premier League title this season, Arsenal are the original Invincibles and their record is going to stay intact.

Of course, I'd love it will be my Tottenham team that ends United's unbeaten run on Sunday and we have a chance of doing it.

It's not as if United are Barcelona or Real Madrid who are on another planet to everyone else.

We can bring them down to earth and for the sake of the title race I bet everyone who doesn't support Man Utd will be hoping we do.

It will keep all us teams at the top a bit closer together.

If they win again, they will be threatening to run away with it. But the unbeaten streak is going to end before May - whatever the result on Sunday.

It's not as if United aren't that good, but the league is far more open this season than for a long time so as a betting man I wouldn't back them matching Arsenal's record.

We have had David Beckham training with us this week and he grew up at Old Trafford.

But I wouldn't dream of asking him if he knows any secrets about his old club that could help us. It wouldn't be right.

I wouldn't put him in that position just as I wouldn't ring up Carlo Ancelotti and pick his brains about AC Milan.

The club has a place in his heart so it's not fair to put anyone in that position.

I left West Ham a long time ago now, but I played for them as well so they have played a big part in my life.

I know what I'd say to anyone who rung me up and asked me to give them any tips on how to beat them!

Besides, the players are all different now. Those that remain from Beckham's day are few in number. And what can Beckham tell anyone about Ryan Giggs that they don't already know? He's a legend and still a terrific performer.

Beckham still has the same hunger that drives Giggs on, too.

Training this week has been weird. Every time I pull up at the gates of Spurs Lodge I find myself on Sky Sports TV.

Then we go to work and David has shown he is happiest when out on a football pitch.

There's been no problems with him. He has settled in with the lads and worked well.

It's the first time I've really dealt with him up close like this and he's a great athlete who has taken great care of himself.

Behind closed doors you get the impression that he'd be just as excited to be down the park having a kickabout with his mates as being one of the most famous sportsmen in the world, mixing with politicians and dignitaries and superstars.

He's just a boy from Leytonstone who loves football and he still takes great pride in himself.

I think we're due a bit of luck against Man Utd having endured some unlucky results in the past couple of years against them, particularly up at Old Trafford. What happened with Nani's controversial goal against us at Old Trafford last October is forgotten now.

It has to be as you have to move on quickly in football or you'll get overtaken.

You've got to admire the way United have come this far without losing a single match and without a terrific away record, it must be said.

It's the sign of a good team but not one who are unbeatable.

It is great that no team has managed to stretch away. That only makes it more exciting for the fans and more pressure for us managers.

There's only four points separating the top three teams at present - and don't rule us out as there are still many games to go.

Training has gone well this week and there's some massive games this weekend with Liverpool playing Everton, Birmingham against Aston Villa and Newcastle playing Sunderland.

No one's invincible this season in my opinion. Results already have shown that.

United have done well to get past the halfway mark without losing a single match - but it's just a matter of time before they do."

Utd aren’t good enough to stay unbeaten | The Sun |Sport|Football
 
No different to any other week for you then.

well we have to play better than our last away game at west brom not sitting back and inviting pressure, we can't afford to do that against spurs....
 
I rarely dream about football matches but I dreamt we won 1-3. Hernandez, Giggs, Lennon then Ferdinand.
 
Looks like we have basically a full squad to pick from for this game, apart from Valencia and Hargreaves.

Will be interesting to see how Fergie goes for this game; 442 or 451, and even within those formations: who plays?

As we seem to have a (basically) full squad to pick from, the back 5 should pick itself:

...............VDS
Raf..Ferdinand..Vidic..Evra

After that I am certain that Nani and Giggs will start - but I don't know beyond that!

We have four central midfielders to pick from - Carrick, Scholes, Anderson and Fletcher.

If we go 451, I would imagine that Anderson and Fletcher will start, but then I don't know whether it will be Carrick or Scholes to round it off. I would go with Carrick, cause he will be sharper (Scholes has been out recently) and is more defensive, so would offer more resistance to Van Der Vaart, who will be the key danger man on Sunday imo. Up top - Berbatov is the man in form, and Rooney has been out injured and been crap for a lot of this season, but Rooney is far better as the lone frontman - Berbatov's style just does not suit it and he gets isolated too easily.

If we go 442, I would imagine it will be Roonney and Berbatov to start, but the central midfield is an issue again. Carrick and Fletcher would be the 'smart' choice I reckon, but Fletcher is short of form lately, and I never really know what to expect from Carrick. A duo of Scholes and Anderson is a no-no imo - not enough defending in it (both do the work, but could get caught forward too much). Could go Carrick and Anderson - based on recent form and fitness - Could go Scholes and Fletcher based on previous first choice form.

No idea really - some very big calls for Fergie.

As for the game itself, biggest game of the season so far for us - and could be a real turning point.

If we win this game, we will win the league imo. A win would be a massive confidence boost for United - a show that they can get wins in the big games and away from home when possibly not actually expected to. It is also a match the title rivals will be expecting us to drop points in, so if we win it, it will be a big blow to them.

If we lose, I could see the opposite effect taking place - our confidence would take a battering and the title rivals would be smelling blood in the premiership waters.

As it is, my money (well, my Premier League I Know the Score prediction) is on 1-1. I also predict it will be 451, Rooney up top - and a midfield of Fletcher, Carrick and Anderson.
 
PAUL'S PREDICTION
HOME WIN - This should be a very good game. It's never easy to back against Man United, but I think this could be the game when their run comes to an end. People tell me United have got other gears to move into, but I don't agree. They ripped Blackburn apart, but I haven't seen evidence of them doing that in any other game. I'll go for 3-1 to Tottenham

Here's another great prediction courtesy of SkySports resident knob Paul Merson! Seriously 3-1 :wenger:
 
By the sounds of it, we're going into the game as underdogs. Pressure all on Spurs to perform at home and beat us. I think we'll win it frankly, we always play better in high pressure games. It's the tricky midtable teams at home we struggle against.

It's just whether or not Ferguson risks gonig 4-4-2 or does he bench Berbatov and play 4-5-1. The more the media big up Spurs, the more chance we have of winning imo. I'm more confident than I was at the weekend and i'd go for 4-5-1 frankly.

Get Ando, Fletcher and Carrick in the middle to dominate Modric and VdV. Then use Nani, Giggs and Rooney to cause some havoc in Spurs' defense.
 
Spurs teams news:

"Harry Redknapp expects Gareth Bale to be fit to face United on Sunday.

The midfielder departed early from the loss at Everton on January 5 with a back problem and was rested for last weekend's FA Cup win against Charlton.

"Gareth has missed a couple of days training but he should be okay," reported Harry on Friday. "We're in good shape. We've pretty much a full squad."

Younes Kaboul is available again after suspension and that leaves long-term injured Ledley King (groin) and Tom Huddlestone (ankle) on the sidelines."

Team news - News Articles - Tottenhamhotspur.com
 
Harry will want Spurs to come out and attack us, which should suit us as arguably our best play tends to be swift counterattacks.

We should field a lineup with plenty of pace and energy to close down Spurs in midfield - the midfield battle will be key and I think we should play a 4-5-1 realistically. Rooney up front if fit, Nani and Giggs out wide and Fletcher, Anderson and Carrick lining up in the middle - that should be enough to deal with Modric and Van der Vaart.

The other key battle will be the obvious Rafael vs Sir Gareth of Bale, to which you just have to have confidence that our lad will come out tops, which he should be able to do considering his form.
On the Rafael subject - I think this will be an important match for him. If he can keep the mighty Bale quiet for 90 minutes then it will surely be impossible for the media and pundits to pretend that he isnt top quality and arguably the best young player in the league. I am sure SAF can draw on this and coax a fecking fantastic performance from the lad.

If we can stick to that gameplan, soak up pressure and hit Spurs on the counter, there is no reason why we cant give them a good thumping and come away with a result.
 
So full strength Spurs team pretty much. How do you think you'll line up Glaston?
------------- Gomes -
Hutton - Dawson - Gallas - Ekotto
-------- Palacios *
Lennon - Modric - Bale
------- - VdV
-------- Defoe

* Possibly Sandro instead of Palacios

Subs: Cudicini, Corluka (or Kaboul), Bassong, Sandro, Jenas, Crouch, Pav.
 
Lawro predicts Spurs to beat Manchester United

"BBC football pundit Mark Lawrenson has predicted that Tottenham Hotspur will beat Manchester United on Sunday.

He told BBC Sport Online: “Tottenham were left aggrieved by refereeing decisions in their defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford in October, and Spurs goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes is probably still losing sleep over the way Nani scored after he had rolled the ball out thinking he had a free-kick.

“But Spurs still gave it a real go in that game and, especially at White Hart Lane, they are capable of giving any side a real defensive examination. I know United have not lost in the Premier League all season but I think their unbeaten record will end here.

“Tottenham will throw everything at them and, seeing as he has spent the week training with Spurs, you can probably throw in the David Beckham-factor as being a big plus for them as well – not that he is likely to play, but just because he has been around the place.

“Spurs are certainly in touch with the sides at the top of the table, but I cannot see them winning the title. We saw against Everton last week that they have one or two shortcomings defensively. Going forward they are absolutely brilliant but at the back they are not strong enough to win the title.

“Prediction: 2-1.”

Lawro predicts Spurs to beat Manchester United | Spurs News and Rumours | Tottenham Hotspur News

Come on now Glaston, Lawro is an absolute tit in truth, none of his predictions can be taken seriously. I think by his calculations Liverpool would have 15 points more this season than they currently do or something daft, and we'd be down in 4th or 5th place. It's always been the case with him.
 
Come on now Glaston, Lawro is an absolute tit in truth, none of his predictions can be taken seriously. I think by his calculations Liverpool would have 15 points more this season than they currently do or something daft, and we'd be down in 4th or 5th place. It's always been the case with him.
I'm not especially endorsing his prediction, only passing it on.

However, and as I said earlier, I wouldn't settle for a draw if offered now.
 
That's fair enough. I think we would, in all honesty.
 
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. :lol:

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