Manchester United against Tottenham is normally one of the fixtures you circle on the calendar. This time, it’s two clubs desperately trying to remember how to win a Premier League game.
United have five points from their opening five matches. Tottenham have just two. Between them, they’ve managed one league victory all season, and that came against Ipswich.
Michael Carrick’s side haven’t won since matchweek two. Meanwhile, Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham are still searching for their first three points.
Spurs have also failed to score in four of their five matches.
To make matters worse, both managers have returned from the international break with lengthy injury lists. Between them, they could almost fill another starting XI.
Saturday’s meeting at Old Trafford is a big opportunity for somebody to get their season moving.
Whether either side is capable of taking it is another matter.
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What are the best betting tips for Manchester United vs Tottenham?
Manchester United draw no bet
I’m not particularly interested in backing Manchester United at short odds right now. However, Tottenham might just be the one side in the league I’d trust even less.
Carrick’s team have been poor, especially defensively. Still, there have been glimpses of attacking quality.
Their late equaliser against Fulham rescued a point before the break. Now, Old Trafford should provide a decent opportunity to build on that result.
Tottenham, meanwhile, have taken just two points from five matches. Both came in goalless draws against Everton and Nottingham Forest.
In fact, their only league goals arrived in a 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa.
United also won the last meeting between these sides 2-0 at Old Trafford in February.
With so many injuries and so little confidence around either club, I don’t fancy taking the straight home win.
Instead, the draw-no-bet market gives us some protection if this turns into another frustrating afternoon.
Tottenham under 1.5 team goals
Five league games. Three goals scored. Four matches without finding the net.
It’s not exactly the attacking revolution Tottenham supporters were hoping for.
De Zerbi has some serious problems to solve. Injuries to Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert and Dejan Kulusevski certainly haven’t helped.
Spurs have also failed to score in their last two away league games. They drew 0-0 at Nottingham Forest before losing 2-0 at Newcastle.
United’s defence is hardly something to celebrate either. They’ve conceded seven goals in five league matches and are missing several important players.
As a result, I’m reluctant to back a clean sheet.
However, asking Tottenham to score twice at Old Trafford feels like a considerably bigger stretch.
Given everything we’ve seen so far, this looks like one of the stronger angles for Saturday.
Bruno Fernandes to score or assist
If Manchester United are going to get their season moving, Bruno Fernandes will probably have something to do with it.
United haven’t exactly been firing on all cylinders. However, Fernandes remains their biggest creative threat when the rest of the attack is struggling.
Tottenham’s defensive problems make this an interesting market, too.
Pedro Porro is unavailable, while there are also concerns over several centre-backs. Consequently, United should have opportunities to exploit those weaknesses.
Fernandes can create chances from open play and set pieces. He also likes to get forward and find space around the penalty area.
Better still, we don’t need him to score himself.
An assist would be enough, which makes this a more appealing option than backing him to find the net.
I’m not convinced United will suddenly produce a brilliant attacking performance. Still, Fernandes should be involved if they manage to get things going.
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Where can I watch Manchester United vs Tottenham?
Manchester United vs Tottenham kicks off at 5:30pm BST on Saturday, October 10, at Old Trafford.
In the UK, the match will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event. Fans can also stream the action through NOW.
What is Manchester United’s predicted team?
(4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martínez, Shaw; Tielemans, Mount; Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Dorgu; Cunha.
Injured: Manuel Ugarte.
Doubts: Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Benjamin Šeško, Marcus Rashford, Karl Darlow, Tom Heaton.
Suspended: None.
What is Tottenham’s predicted team?
(4-2-3-1): Kinský; Gray, Tosin, Senesi, Robertson; Bentancur, Tonali; Sávio, Mateus Fernandes, Marmoush; Solanke.
Injured: Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Pedro Porro, Jan Paul van Hecke, Micky van de Ven.
Doubts: Dejan Kulusevski.
Suspended: None.
Manchester United vs Tottenham prediction
There’s a temptation to look at these two teams and expect a chaotic game full of defensive mistakes.
I’m not convinced.
Tottenham have barely looked capable of scoring this season. Meanwhile, United haven’t exactly played with the confidence of a team ready to put four or five past somebody.
Still, the hosts should have enough attacking quality to create chances.
Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha can all cause problems for a Tottenham defence struggling with injuries.
However, United have problems of their own. Therefore, I wouldn’t be surprised if this stays uncomfortable until the final whistle.
Spurs will eventually win a Premier League game.
I just don’t think it’ll be this weekend.
Score prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Tottenham
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