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Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur meet in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Sunday after kicking off their respective UEFA Europa League campaigns in midweek. Erik ten Hag continues to battle for his future at Old Trafford after a disappointing start to the season was supplemented by a draw against Twente in the UEL. Ange Postecoglou turns things around with Spurs and saw his team go past Qarabag in continental action, but the pair remain in the thick of the EPL.
United took the lead again in midweek and will be looking to bounce back at Old Trafford after back-to-back home games, which also involved Crystal Palace. The Red Devils are unbeaten in four games, but a total of just five goals scored in the Premier League so far is worrying, especially as United’s expected goals tally is one of the highest in the English top flight, indicating their underperforming character.
Spurs came from behind to beat Brentford in the Premier League last time out and the danger was averted after Radu Dragusin saw red early on against Qarabag. Tottenham punished their profligate visitors for a third successive win, but their away form has seen them take just two wins from 12 in the EPL with four defeats from their last six outings. A 2-2 draw last year extended an unbeaten run at Old Trafford to three and the Londoners will hope to avoid another defeat here.
Here are our storylines, how to watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Sunday September 29 | Time: 11:30 am ET
- Location: Old Trafford – Manchester, England
- Watch: USA Network | Current: Fubo (try for free)
- Chances: United +138; Sign +290; Tracks +175
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Story so far
INEOS is firmly in the middle and comes in eleventh place. The pressure is starting to feel a bit in terms of Ten Hag’s future as the next few weeks are likely to be crucial. The Dutch tactician has struggled to justify the confidence Sir Jim Ratcliffe has shown him and a bottom half finish in the table after five games was not what was expected. Spurs are only one position better off in tenth, but Postecoglou’s side are turning things around in attack with eight goals from just three games against both Brentford and Qarabag.
Team news
United: Ten Hag already indicated that he expected to have the same squad available for Spurs, with Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw unavailable. Kobbie Mainoo is likely to return to midfield, meaning Manuel Ugarte’s EPL debut may have to wait. Alejandro Garnacho should return in place of Marcus Rashford or Amad Diallo.
Possible United XI: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martínez, Dalot; Eriksen, Mainoo; Diallo, Fernandes, Garnacho; Zirkzee.
Tracks: Tottenham captain Heung-min Son was hit, but Postecoglou does not expect the South Korea international to miss him. Dragusin’s suspension has no Premier League implications, so Wilson Odobert and Richarlison are the only major absences for this trip to Manchester.
Possible Spurs XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, son.
Prediction
Expect a thrilling encounter that could be won by one goal, but will likely end in a draw with both sides scoring. Choose: United 1, Spurs 1.