Following another disastrous few days, the Lilywhites return to the capital on Thursday night to face Premier League top-four rivals Manchester United.
Team Form
Tottenham Hotspurs
Tottenham Hotspur suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Newcastle United over the weekend, prompting chairman Daniel Levy to describe the result as “wholly unacceptable” and “devastating”.
The Magpies scored five goals in just 21 minutes, tearing apart Stellini’s back-four experiment and leaving Spurs’ top-four hopes in tatters.
Following the loss, Stellini – who had taken over from Antonio Conte – was dismissed, with Ryan Mason again taking charge as an interim manager.
During Stellini’s brief tenure, Tottenham managed just five points out of a possible 12, leaving them fifth in the rankings but six points behind Manchester United and Newcastle, who have played fewer games. Additionally, Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool could leapfrog Tottenham should they win their games in hand.
Tottenham Hotspurs PL Form: D D W L L
Man United
The Wembley FA Cup semi-final between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion was closely contested; both teams created several opportunities in the attacking third. But both sides were unable to find the back of the net.
After 120 minutes of end-to-end action, the match was ultimately decided by penalties, with Brighton missing their 7th spot-kick as Solly March blazed his effort over the bar. Victor Lindelof remained composed to convert his penalty and send Manchester United into their 21st FA Cup final.
For Man United, the victory was a welcome relief after their Europa League exit at the hands of Sevilla.
The team has three consecutive wins in the Premier League, helping them to establish a six-point lead over Tottenham in fourth place.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United currently sit above United in the standings, albeit on goal difference, having played a game more.
Man United PL Form: D L W W W
Squad Report
Tottenham Hotspurs
Tottenham Hotspur has been hit with another setback after their number one goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris, was substituted at half-time in the previous match due to a hip problem.
Lloris now joins a growing list of players in the Tottenham medical bay, including Rodrigo Bentancur (knee), Emerson Royal (knee), Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring), and Yves Bissouma (ankle).
Man United
Manchester United’s injury list continues to grow, with Bruno Fernandes being the latest casualty. The Portuguese midfielder suffered a knock during extra time in their recent match and has been spotted with crutches and a protective boot, suggesting that his injury could be severe.
Fernandes now joins an already extensive injury list at United, which includes Donny van de Beek (knee), Alejandro Garnacho (ankle), Tom Heaton (ankle), Lisandro Martinez (foot), and Raphael Varane (ankle).
Furthermore, Scott McTominay doubts the upcoming fixtures after being ruled out of the FA Cup semi-final due to a knock.
Tottenham Hotspur’s expected starting lineup:
Forster; Romero, Dier, Davies; Porro, Hojbjerg, Skipp, Perisic; Kulusevski, Kane, Son
Manchester United’s expected starting lineup:
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Shaw, Malacia; Eriksen, Casemiro, Sabitzer; Antony, Martial, Rashford
Head to Head
Manchester United has a remarkable history of success against Tottenham Hotspur, having emerged victorious in 96 of the 198 matches played between the two sides. Tottenham Hotspur has secured only 53 wins against the Red Devils.
Time, Date & Venue
Date: Thursday, April 27
Time: 08:15 pm, BST
Venue: Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium, London
Prediction
Despite Manchester United’s recent victory in the FA Cup against Brighton, the match was a close call for the Red Devils.
Under Ryan Mason’s interim management, Tottenham Hotspur is likely to experience a boost in morale. Tottenham Hotspur could earn a valuable point against Manchester United.
