Following another comically disastrous few days at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Lilywhites exchange to the capital on Thursday night to face Premier League top-four rivals Manchester United.
While the hosts were thrashed 6-1 by Newcastle United on Sunday, resulting in the ejection of Cristian Stellini, the Red Devils secured an all-Manchester FA Cup final by defeating Brighton & Hove Albion on penalties.
Just over 24 hours later, Stellini, who had only been elevated to the top position after departing from manager Antonio Conte, was unavoidably let go. This was the most recent in a string of absurd events for the North London club, and Ryan Mason is now In charge for the time being.
Tottenham’s chances of finishing in the top four are fading as they sit fifth in the standings, six points behind Man United and Newcastle United, who have both played fewer games. Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool could also overtake the Lilywhites ought to they win their games in hand.
Since their goalless draw with AC Milan back in March, Tottenham has scored and given up goals in each of their last six games. However, their loss to Bournemouth earlier this month ended a five-game winning streak at home in the Premier League, and it would take a unique case of new manager bounce for Spurs to maintain their Champions League dream somehow.
As far as goalless attracts go, Man United and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Wembley 0-0 ended up being one of the more engaging ones. Both teams had several promising spells in and around the penalty area, though without the crucial outcome.
After 120 minutes of intense action in the capital, Solly March’s penalty for Brighton would prove to be unlucky number 13, but Victor Lindelof kept his cool to advance Man United to their 21st FA Cup final, where sworn rivals Manchester City await.
Man United’s trip to the Premier League final was the ideal remedy for their humiliation at the hands of Sevilla in the Europa League. Spurs are six points behind Man United in fourth place, while Newcastle are only ahead of Erik ten Hag’s team on goal differential despite having played one more game.
Man United has not won four straight Premier League games without conceding since Sir Alex Ferguson’s farewell campaign in 2012–13, but their road record in the league is not particularly encouraging, with just two victories in their last six games.
Spurs have now tasted their own medicine in that regard, but a straightforward 2-0 victory over Tottenham in October increased Man United’s winning streak against the Lilywhites to four matches since their 6-1 Old Trafford humiliation.
Team News- Manchester United
Man United also has a new injury worry heading into the midweek game, as Bruno Fernandes sustained an injury during Sunday’s extra-time and has since been spotted at home using crutches and a protective boot.
🚨 Bruno Fernandes is set to miss #mufc's top-four showdown with Tottenham on Thursday. [@DiscoMirror]
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) April 25, 2023
The Portuguese player joins Raphael Varane (ankle), Alejandro Garnacho (ankle), Tom Heaton (ankle), Phil Jones (knee), Lisandro Martinez (foot), and Donny van de Beek (knee) on the injury list.
Team News- Spurs
Hugo Lloris, the Lilywhites’ starting custodian, was taken off at halftime with a hip issue that does not appear to be improving, according to the Frenchman, as if the five-goal thrashing at Newcastle wasn’t sickening enough for Tottenham.
Lloris will be welcomed into the medical room by Rodrigo Bentancur (knee), Emerson Royal (knee), Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring), and Yves Bissouma (ankle). Lucas Moura has completed his three-game suspension, while Clement Lenglet and Ben Davies were both healthy enough to sit on the bench at St. James’ Park, though perhaps they regret it now.
Predictions–
Spurs 1-2 Manchester United
