Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
Two big-name clubs, but both stuck in a mid-table battle with uncertain futures, face off in London on Sunday. Neither is at risk of relegation, yet both have fallen out of the race for European qualification.
Manchester United
Manchester United players still remember their heavy defeat (0:3) in the reverse fixture under Erik ten Hag, and they will be eager for revenge. They created more chances than their opponents in their last two matches, but ended up with opposite results—a league defeat and a cup victory. The FA Cup-winning goal against Leicester City was scored by Harry Maguire, who rose highest to meet a Bruno Fernandes free-kick. However, Manchester United have been highly vulnerable from free kicks and corners, conceding 11 goals from them (third-most in the league), and an additional 14 goals from open play.
Tottenham Hotspur
Despite their inconsistency, Tottenham Hotspur are among the best teams in the league at scoring from free kicks and corners (8 goals), sharing fifth place in that metric. Additionally, they are tied with Liverpool for the most goals from counter-attacks (10). However, their defence has been a major issue, as seen in their defeat to Liverpool (0:4) in the League Cup semi-final second leg. Liverpool repeatedly tore apart Tottenham Hotspur’s backline, making their 1:0 win in the first leg feel meaningless. Even with goalkeeper Antonín Kinský doing his best, their defensive frailties were exposed.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United Prediction
With Tottenham’s wide-open approach and Manchester United’s weakness on defensive free kicks and corners, it would be shocking if this match didn’t deliver goals.
