Manchester United finally seem to be in shape, on the pitch at least, as they have won consecutive games now. But this weekend it is going to be a whole new ball game, as Manchester United host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. Both the sides are in great form and it is expected to be a cracking game as Jose Mourinho takes on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Tottenham players must be fatigued though, as this will be Spurs’ third game of the week. With Heung-Min Son injured, United’s job will be little easier, even though Tottenham still have Bergwijn and Lucas Moura. The likes of Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford will be expected to shine in such a game, where there is so much at stake.
Manchester United will be expected to win though and let us now have a look at how the Red Devils might lineup against Tottenham tomorrow.
THE 4-2-3-1
The system Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has used time and again, the 4-2-3-1 is most likely to be used tomorrow. This is almost the same team that started against Brighton, but it is expected Bailly to start after his string of good performances. His pace and last-ditch tackling will be pivotal against a Tottenham side boasting the likes of Harry Kane, Steven Bergwijn and Lucas Moura.
Matic, Pogba and Bruno Fernandes will be backed to dictate the midfield as Tottenham have a relatively tame midfield who are likely to sit back. Martial and Rashford will have to work very hard though as Mourinho will make sure none of the front men gets a free run at his defence. The battle between Reguilon and Greenwood will also be good to watch as the Spanish man got the better of Greenwood the last time they locked horns.
The Red Devils captain, Harry Maguire, will also have to be at his best to stop Harry Kane from scoring goals.
THE 4-3-3
The modern 4-3-3 might be an option for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, which will see Pogba or Van de Beek much higher up the pitch. This formation will make sense, as Tottenham are likely to sit back deep and only counter-attack when the ball breaks. But Matic will have a key role in such a formation, as he will have to shield the United defence as well as make sure that the Red Devils keep ticking.
Anthony Martial is yet to score this season and will be eager to open his account for the season after a great last season. Van de Beek might also be important against such a tight defence because of his quick one-touch passes and movement, even if he comes in late in the game. Rashford almost always seems to score against Tottenham and with his good form, it will take some stopping to get in the way of Rashford.
THE 3-5-2
Jose Mourinho might himself use the 3-5-2 system, which will make sure that his Tottenham is compact against a fluid United attacking side. But it is highly unlikely for United to use this system, as Tottenham are only good on the counter-attack and have a poor midfield which lacks attacking quality. Playing with such a formation might play into their hands and might cost United the game.
