Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League Preview and Odds

Published on: 27/10/2017

Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League Preview and Odds

October 27, 2017 12:30pm - Old Trafford

Premier League

Manchester United will look to defend their second-place ranking when they host third-ranked Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime.

The 20-time former champions enjoyed a good start to the season but are now winless in two having drawn at Liverpool and lost at Huddersfield Town. As a result, they have slipped five points behind pace-setters Manchester City.

On home soil, Jose Mourinho`s men are unbeaten in 21 and have won their last five in a row without conceding a goal. They scored four times in three of those five games but have yet to face a team higher than 14th in the table. As a result, this weekend will offer them a first chance to test themselves against their top four rivals at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur will be hoping to leapfrog their opponents to move into second place in the standings. The North London side have excelled on the road, winning their last six in a row and keeping clean sheets in three of their last four. Their strong away for has compensated for their inferior home form which has suffered since the move to Wembley Stadium.

Mauricio Pochettino`s men come into this game on the back of a 4-1 league win over Liverpool which hinted that they may be feeling more comfortable in their temporary home. However, that was followed up by a 2-3 League Cup defeat to West Ham United, also on home soil.

The home side will have to make do without the injured group of Michael Carrick, Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, while Marouane Fellaini, Eric Bailly and Marcus Rashford are all doubtful.

Meanwhile, Harry Kane is a doubt for Spurs, while Victor Wanyama is still out of action.

Recent form (Premier League)

Manchester United: LDWWW

Tottenham Hotspur: WWWWD

Betting odds and tips

The potential absence of Harry Kane could have a huge bearing on the outcome of this game and could also determine the strategy of each Coach. Either way, we are unlikely to see too much adventure for the United boss who likes to keep things tight against the top sides. Last term, 90% of their matches against the top featured less Under 2.5 goals with 1-1 being the most popular scoreline. If Kane is absent, a similar result should be expected here. However, if the England striker is fit, the away win might just come into play.

You can back the Draw at 12/5 with bet365.

By Neil Morris