Adam Dennehey WAFU manager
Last Sunday couldn’t have gone any differently for Manchester United and Spurs. Whilst a late Ryan Giggs goal salvaged a win at Norwich for the Champions, Harry Redknapp’s side embarrassingly lost 5-2 at Arsenal.
Spurs blew a chance to go 10 points clear of the Gunners, who after beating Liverpool are now only four points behind, so the race for third place is hotting up.
History interestingly is not on their side this weekend as incredibly United haven’t lost to Spurs since a 3-1 defeat at the Lane back in May 2001, that’s a run of 21 games stretching almost 11 years which is a staggering record to say the least.
Spurs will feel that they have a great chance this weekend. Redknapp has options to bring on from the bench, a good defence and a team who have a lot of attacking options, none other than former United striker Louis Saha.
Saha of course enjoyed a four-and-half-year stay at Old Trafford. Sadly most of that time was spent on the treatment table, but his record of 42 goals in 124 games shows that when fit he often did the business up front.
It was slightly surprising to see Redknapp swoop for Saha (who was struggling at Everton this season) in the transfer-window but after scoring three goals in as many league appearances, it looks a shrewd move indeed.
Saha has hit it off with Emmanuel Adeabyor offering a strong physical presence up front for Spurs and the two showed against Newcastle United last month that they can dominate and rip teams apart, sending a warning-sign out to defenders.
So what can we expect from tomorrow’s game. What will be the key battles on the pitch?
Patrice Evra v Gareth Bale
Back when he was playing for Southampton, Bale was talked about as being arguably the best left-back of his generation. Now after maturing at Spurs, he is being rightfully spoken about as becoming the best left-winger of his generation.
Evra has been troubled by Bale in the past and will need his winger in front of him (likely to be Nani or Ashley Young) to track back and stop the Welshman from getting a run at him as sadly the Frenchman will be unable to keep up with Spurs’ star-man.
Michael Carrick v Sandro
With Scott Parker absent this weekend after carelessly picking up a red-card in injury-time at the Emirates, there will be a lot of pressure on Sandro’s shoulders to step up and get stuck in just like England’s new captain has done this season.
It would not have been a surprise had Carrick been recalled into the England’s squad against Holland recently as the midfielder’s form has been outstanding recently. He enjoyed 18 months at Spurs, so won’t want to leave London on the back of a defeat.
Wayne Rooney v Ledley King
He might not be able to play 2-3 games in a row and is locked in talks to say at Spurs next season, but King brings experience and know-how to Spurs when he does play and has formed a great partnership alongside Michael Dawson.
Redknapp will need King to be at his best today and keep Rooney quiet. It may prove to be too big a task for the injury-prone defender to deal with but he won’t fall down without trying and could trouble United from set-pieces.
—
In terms of a prediction for the game, as stated earlier on in a on in a predictions article, I can see United winning this one comfortably 2-1, which would be exactly what the doctor requires after Manchester City won today over Bolton.
I cannot see United comfortably winning this and should Spurs score first, it could prove to be another one of those frustrating afternoons for United’s fans who could be frustrated by Brad Friedel who has always played well on the big-occasion.
By Adam Dennehey @ADennehey87
