Venue:
Old Trafford K/o:
17:30 Date:
Saturday 29th SeptemberTeam News: Manchester United have a dilemma to address in midfield. Winger Antonio Valencia is a doubt with an ankle injury, whilst Ashley Young is still out with a knee injury. That leaves Nani as United's only available winger, and the Portuguese' has endured a torrid run of form of late. It remains to be seen meanwhile whether Wayne Rooney will continue his road to recovery following a a horrifically gashed knee he picked up against Fulham. The England International however did start in his sides victory over Newcastle in midweek, where he played over 70 minutes. Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas meanwhile will restore the likes of Brad Friedel, Gareth Bale and Jermain Defoe after they were rested against Carlisle in the Capital One Cup midweek.
Match Preview Manchester United go into this encounter on the back of a scrappy win over Liverpool last weekend, and looking to catch up with Premier League pacesetters Chelsea - who could be 4 points clear by the time United have kicked a ball should they prevail over Arsenal in this afternoons early kick off. Tottenham meanwhile have suffered an indifferent start to their season. Much like their rivals this afternoon, they too lost their opening game of the season, going down 2-1 to Newcastle. Since then, they have only picked up 8 points from a possible 15, as they muddled through two consecutive draws at home to West Brom and Norwich. Spurs' haven't beaten Manchester United away for 23 years. December, 1989 was the last time they left old Trafford with all three points, and in their 26 visits to Manchester since, they have lost 22 times. United are actually unbeaten in 26 games against Tottenham - anywhere, and Andre Villas-Boas will be hoping to reverse that miserable statistic this afternoon.
Head to head[.] Manchester United have kept clean sheets in four of their last six league and cup games against Tottenham.
[.] Spurs' last victory over the Red Devils was a 3-1 success in May 2001 at White Hart Lane.