An insidious tale of two clubs failing to fulfil their potential. Two managers under a great deal of pressure. Two midfield outfits needing improvement and two attacks of undeniable quality. It's Tottenham vs Manchester United!
English Premier League
Saturday 30 October
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
18:30
To Win Match
Tottenham 18/10 | Draw 5/2 | Manchester United 14/10
Tottenham
The pressure on Nuno Espirito Santo is steadily building, and the feeling in North London is changing. They have won on just two occasions in their last five league games.
I have previously mentioned that whilst at Wolves, Nuno’s success was found in wide areas – so it’s no surprise that Reguilon and Emerson are given the license they enjoy. The inclusion of Oliver Skipp into that deep-lying midfield role has already made a difference. There is significantly less pressure on Eric Dier and Romero and as such Spurs aren’t being pulled apart.
Of course, it is common knowledge that Spurs have an electric attacking threat. Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Lucas Moura are exceptional, but the link between them and the defensive responsibilities doesn’t always seem so well-defined.
In their game against Arsenal, the midfield shift Nuno introduced with Skipp changed the game. They picked up all three points against Newcastle and Aston Villa… and even though they fell short against West Ham (who have been brilliant this season), I don’t think they were outplayed. In fact, I would go as far as to say that West Ham simply took their chance.
These two teams each have the firepower up front to turn this into a spectacle, the midfield battle however is where I think the game is won or lost. It will inevitably become a chess match of who can dictate the game and keep a solid defence, without sacrificing their attacking threat.
Manchester United
There has been a lot said about Manchester United, and when they aren’t doing well, that is to be expected. The disrespectful and senseless battering of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer just doesn’t feel right.
He’s come into a struggling Manchester United, a United which you could argue lost a bit of its essence and feel. No, I am not suggesting that he’s a brilliant coach, but the improvement made at United is undoubted. However, I think he’s reached his ceiling. He’s done the best he can and got the Red Devils to where they are now… but it is time to step aside.
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world, a player I would confidently say any team in the Premier League would take. To suggest that United press less often and look lethargic upfront because of his arrival is simply nonsensical. The experience and counsel a player like that would have on the likes of Mason Greenwood, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford is priceless – oh and he’ll probably get you the odd goal…
United are now in a predicament, they aren’t just chasing football fixtures now – they are chasing pride! So, for heaven’s sake, please can they not have a double pivot in front of the two centre-backs. Why do they need to be so negative and conservative? Allow the attacking players to play with freedom and give Bruno Fernandes confidence to express himself. His quality and creativity going forward is exceptional and his fight and passion fuel him to get back behind the ball and defend.
I hope the powers that be at United act swiftly and decisively! The run of fixtures is not pleasant and whilst the optimists among us might see it as an opportunity for the squad to prove its worth – the realists are surely jumping up and down and shouting, “time is of the essence” and professional football has proven time and again that it doesn’t afford time to managers.
Prediction: Draw + Both Teams to Score (33/10)
Manchester United will assumedly continue to rely on the players they have and their individual brilliance. Whilst it isn’t sustainable and tough to watch at times, the fact remains they have exceptional players, and they can win you a game on their day.
While Spurs might want to attack a wounded Red Devil, that very Devil might see an opportunity to bounce back! So, both sides will likely have a go, but I think a draw is a sensible play. For the punter looking to build those extended multiples, go both teams to score. For the punter wanting a bet on the nose, play the draw. For me, a draw + both teams to score is the way this ends.
