Ange Postecoglou's team began their new season with a 2-2 draw against London rivals Brentford last weekend. Meanwhile, Manchester United narrowly won 1-0 against Wolverhampton Wanderers in a game filled with controversy.
Without their star player Harry Kane, who moved to Bayern Munich, Tottenham still played in a forward-looking style under Postecoglou. In their first match against Brentford, there was even a funny delay due to a water supply problem before the game started. Eventually, Spurs scored first through Cristian Romero, but their defensive issues allowed Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa to turn the game around.
The match ended in a draw, which was fair between two teams led by progressive and attack-focused coaches. Now, Postecoglou is getting ready for his first Premier League home game.
Tottenham is currently in ninth place after their draw at Gtech Community Stadium. Last season, they won their first five home games and had a winning streak at home between February and April. However, they struggled in their last four home games, but they have consistently scored at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League since January. They will likely take encouragement from Wolves' strong performance at Old Trafford.
Manchester United's win against Wolves was a close call, with Raphael Varane's header making the difference. However, there were worries for Erik ten Hag as Wolves unexpectedly launched several attacks. Goalkeeper Andre Onana did well, and even though there was a tense moment in the box, no penalty was given after his collision with Sasa Kalajdzic.
Wolves' manager, Gary O'Neil, said he received an apology for that incident, and the officials involved won't be in charge for this weekend's games. The fans at Old Trafford might not be too concerned about this change.
Manchester United is currently in seventh place and has won their last five Premier League matches. However, their form away from home towards the end of the previous season wasn't great, with only three wins in their last 10 away games, including a 2-2 draw with Tottenham managed by Ryan Mason.
Although Ten Hag's team squandered a two-goal lead to draw against Tottenham before, they are heading to North London without a defeat in their last five matches against them. Tottenham's most recent victory in this fixture was their impressive 6-1 win at Old Trafford in October 2020.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Just a couple of minutes after scoring Tottenham's first Premier League goal of the season, Argentine defender Romero had to leave the field due to a head injury. However, Postecoglou has confirmed that the former Juventus player is fit for the upcoming weekend match.On the other hand, Bryan Gil (groin), Rodrigo Bentancur (knee), Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring), Fraser Forster (back), and Alfie Whiteman (ankle) are all unavailable. Tanguy Ndombele was also missing last week, which might have been part of a tactical decision.
With Romero ready to play, the 25-year-old is likely to team up with Micky van de Ven in defense. Eric Dier and Japhet Tanganga are also vying to make their way back into the squad.
Shifting to Manchester United's defensive situation, Lisandro Martinez, a fellow Argentine like Romero, suffered a minor ankle injury in the game against Wolves. However, his defensive partner Varane downplayed the seriousness of the issue afterward. Martinez is expected to be fit, but Victor Lindelof is ready if needed. Harry Maguire, after a failed £30 million transfer to West Ham United, is set to remain at Old Trafford for the 2023-24 season.
Rasmus Hojlund (back), Kobbie Mainoo (ankle), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Amad Diallo (knee), and Tom Heaton (calf) are all confirmed absences for Ten Hag's team. Christian Eriksen, a former Tottenham player, might make a return to the center of the field for Manchester United.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:Vicario; Emerson, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Skipp, Maddison; Kulusevski, Richarlison, Son
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Fernandes, Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Rashford, Sancho
EXPERT PREDICTION
Tottenham 2-1 Manchester United
At the same time, none of Manchester United's attackers performed well in the first matchweek. Even though Tottenham's defense might have some weaknesses, we believe Postecoglou can plan a good victory in his first Premier League home game.
