Source: tottenhamhotspur.com
Manchester United’s poor displays this season are beginning to catch up to them. Although they’re still well in contention for a top four finish, their results are starting to match their poor performances and Liverpool and Arsenal are racing towards the finish line with significantly more steam. On the other hand, Tottenham head into the fixture at Old Trafford coming off two straight wins after putting a bad patch of results behind them. Only three points separate the two clubs on the table.
If Spurs want to seriously challenge for a Champions League place, they need victories over rival teams in the top four this late in the season. They need to show they mean business when it really counts. Manager Mauricio Pochettino will be looking to exploit the obvious weaknesses in United’s expensively assembled squad. If can do so he will become the third Tottenham manager in as many seasons to claim victory at Old Trafford.
Deal with the long balls
tottenhamhotspur.com
Although Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal is aspiring to play the “perfect game”, his tactics are anything but. His game plan often resorts to hoofing the ball up the field with Marouane Fellaini as the outlet. While often not pretty, United haven’t found it terribly effective either. But it could pose problems to Spurs’ sometimes shaky back line. Teams who have struggled to deal with Tottenham’s pressing game this season have turned to a more direct approach and found success.
Despite the good form of Eric Dier, slotting Federico Fazio into the heart of defence in his place would not be a bad shout. His supremacy in the air would be a serious counter to United’s direct tactics. Tottenham’s full backs will also need to be on their toes to clean up mistakes that the Spurs centre-halves will inevitably make.
While Danny Rose and Kyle Walker are important pieces going forward, they will need to be more focused defensively on Sunday. If they are continuously caught out of position, it could prove disastrous.
Shut down Mata
Source: manutd.com
In his two and-a-half seasons at Chelsea, Juan Mata seemed to torment Tottenham in every game he played against them. He hasn’t had the same run whilst at United, but he did have two clear chances that should have put the game to bed in the reverse fixture in December.
Although clearly out of favour under Van Gaal, Mata could be given a chance to prove himself with Angel Di Maria suspended and Adnan Januzaj unimpressive. Mata has shown he is always capable of producing something special and he has a fine goal scoring record, particularly against Spurs.
If he is given the nod to start, it is vital the duo of Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason press him relentlessly and shut him out of the game. He is a dangerous player with space to work his magic but suffocate him of that and Spurs can take control of the midfield. He deserves their attention. If Mata is shut out, United lose a potential match winner in a team sorely lacking them.
Spurs’ wide players need to step up to the plate
tottenhamhotspur.com
In the reverse fixture at White Hart Lane, Harry Kane was well controlled by United’s central defenders. He did etch out a few half chances but was rather quiet by his normal standards, considering he went on to rip Chelsea apart a week later. But then again, he didn’t have a whole lot of support that day. Kane needs his attacking comrades, mainly his wide men, to match him at Old Trafford.
Most of United’s attention will be on Kane, meaning there should be extra space to exploit. If Nacer Chadli can have one of his better games and a rejuvenated Andros Townsend can cause havoc, there shouldn’t be a lack of chances. Spurs’ wingers need to be more consistently dangerous in the final third. United’s back line is vulnerable. Now is the time for them to step up.
The Reds’ full backs, consisting of converted wingers and struggling youngsters, need to be tested. This will only open up more space and time for the main man. If Kane is given opportunities he tends to take them, he will just need a bit of help.
Lachlan McIvor
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