Manchester United welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford for the champions first home game of the new season.
After recording a good away win at West Brom, United will be looking to get 3 points in front of a full house at Old Trafford. It's the first home game of a tricky period where United entertain Spurs, Arsenal, Chelsea along with a tricky trip to Bolton.
Over recent years United have had the edge over Spurs winning five out of the last five.
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The most notable game coming in 2009 when Spurs led 2nil at half time only to lose the game 5-2.
Last seasons game finished 2nil but the game ended in controversy when Spurs goalkeeper Gomes felt Spurs should have had a freekick when Nani seemed to handle the ball only for the ref to wave play on and Nani free to stroke the ball into a empty net.
With a few injuries suffered to United's backline in the last game it should hand a home league debut to Phil Jones having come on for the injured Vidic. Also making his home debut in goal is David De Gea the young keeper has come under a lot of criticism over the past few games with the press highlighting a few errors he has made and forgetting the good saves he has pulled off. I know the United faithful will get behind him and show him he has our full support and backing. He is only young and will take time to settle. I expect Evans to replace the injured Ferdinand with Smalling continuing at rightback. Hopefully Evra will be back after injury to add some experience at the back.
THE OPPOSITION:
Spurs who are yet to play a league game due to the recent riots have only played Hearts in the Europa Cup winning 5 nil so will be looking to get their league campaign off to a good start as well. I expect the spurs wingers Bale and Lennon to try and test Smalling and Evra by trying to get in behind them with their pace, with the two fullbacks looking to get forward at every opportunity and a very young united side this is where Spurs may feel they can get some joy.
Van der Vaart should partner one forward up front, he likes to drop deep into the hole and receive the ball this will add extra pressure on United backline so I expect (if fit) Carrick to come back into the midfield as his experience could be vital.
THE DANGER MEN!!
Luka Modric
The want away Croatian is the heart of the Spurs midfield. A skilful player who rarely gives the ball away. Often playing the ball that releases the wingers who create a lot of goals. Last seasons key stats 4 league goals and 3 assists.
Rafael Van Der Vaart
Signed on deadline day for 8m from Madrid, the Dutchman took the premier league by storm by scoring 13 goals and 7 assists in 28 games in his first season in England. A player who likes to play the #10 roll just behind the striker he is a key player for Spurs.
Gareth Bale
Not a lot I can say about the PFA player of the year that hasn't already been said. The welsh winger has pace to burn and has a devastating left foot. Bale scored 7 goals with 1 assist last season.
KEY BATTLES!!
Smalling Vs Bale;
It will be interesting to see how Smalling copes with Bale, whether Bale will get more joy than he did against Rafael last time the teams met at Old Trafford.
Evans/Carrick Vs Van Der Vaart
A big ask for the young defender to keep the Dutchman quiet so I expect Carrick to pick up Van Der Vaart when he drops deep to receive the ball.
Young Vs Walker
Young had a very good game last week setting up both United goals it's a big test for the young English defender to keep him quiet. Walker has a big future in football he loves to bomb forward so will be interesting to see his defensive discipline.
VERDICT:
Although United have a good recent record against Spurs this won't be a easy game. I think United may go with a 4-5-1 formation or 4-4-2 formation with Rooney dropping into the midfield due to the young and inexperienced defence, with that I also think Carrick may come into the middle in place of Cleverley. My Score prediction is 2-1 Rooney and Nani getting the goals for United with Van Der Vaart getting the Spurs goal. Hopefully it will be a electric atmosphere at Old Trafford this coming Monday.
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