By Kunle Mudasiru
The late kick off in the English Premier League on Sunday pits two top teams against one another after making a slow start to the season than many expected.
Hosts Manchester United sit a point and a place behind visiting Tottenham who occupy 10th spot as things stand, and we’re expecting a cagey affair between the pair at Old Trafford.
Man United have picked up two wins, two draws and suffered one defeat in their last five Premier League games against Tottenham with the pair playing out a 2-2 draw when they last met back in January.
Manchester United followed up that disappointing goalless draw away at Crystal Palace with a 1-1 draw at home to Twente in midweek. Erik ten Hag’s men were expected to win in the Europa League and were 1-0 up at the break but their Dutch guests equalized in the second half to earn a share of the spoils. Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw will all miss out once again this weekend due to injury. Tottenham bounced back from their defeats against Newcastle and Arsenal when they beat Brentford 3-1
Spurs also progressed in the EFL Cup, beating Championship side Coventry 2-1 away, but have to negotiate Thursday’s Europa League tie against Qarabag before they can turn their full attention to Old Trafford on Sunday. Richarlison and Wilson Odobert aren’t expected back from injury until October and it will be worth checking for any injury updates after the Qarabag match. The stage is set at the iconic Old Trafford, often referred to as the “Theatre of Dreams,” which is sure to provide an electric atmosphere for this high-stakes en- counter. With the new INEOS plans for a new ground with a 100k capacity, the focus will also be on Manchester United’s future off the pitch.
