Manchester United hosts Tottenham on Saturday looking to keep pace with league leaders Chelsea. United are coming off a controversial victory over Liverpool in the league, while Spurs are on a two matching streak, albeit against struggling Reading and QPR.
Manchester United Vs. Tottenham 2012, Premier League Week 6: Game Time And TV Schedule
Both sides enter the match with a multitude of defensive and injury concerns.
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Both side have injury concerns ahead of the match, see below, but United finally have Wayne Rooney back from the gruesome injury he picked up earlier this season. Spurs very well could be the first side this season to face a pairing of Rooney and Robin Van Persie, something that should worry a Spurs side that has struggled at the back this year.
United have their own defensive concerns with Nemanja Vidic again facing another extended absence. Sir Alex Ferguson’s defense has been shaky when with Vidic in the team, so it stands to reason things could get even dicier at the back.
For Spurs, Brad Friedel will remain in goal with French international Hugo Lloris on the bench. Lloris continues to simmer about his lack of playing time after transferring from Lyon this summer, but Friedel's given Andre Villas-Boas no reason to make a change. Clint Dempsey is likely to get another start for Spurs with Emmanuel Adebayor unavailable.
With both sides facing defensive issues, this could be an entertaining and high-scoring match at Old Trafford.
Manchester United injuries and suspensions
Out: Nemanja Vidic (knee), Phil Jones (knee), Ashley Young (knee), Smalling (foot). In doubt: Antonio Valencia (ankle).
Tottenham injuries and suspensions
Out: Emmanuel Adebayor (hamstring), Heurelho Gomes (ankle), Scott Parker (Achilles), Jake Livermore (groin), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (knee), Younes Kaboul (knee). In Doubt: Kyle Naughton (foot)
United are waiting on news of an ankle injury to Antonio Valencia that he picked up last week against Liverpool. The loss of Nemanja Vidic is the big blow for United as he’s scheduled to miss two months or more with further knee issues.
For Spurs, several players are out including Emmanuel Adebayor who continues to struggle with a hamstring issue. Assou-Ekotto will miss four weeks with a knee injury and likely replacement Kyle Naughton will be a match day decision with a foot issue.
Match Date/Time: 5:30 p.m. local, 12:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
TV: FOX Soccer (U.S.), FOX Deportes (U.S. Spanish), Sportsnet One (Canada)
Online: FOX Soccer 2 Go (U.S.)
For more on Spurs, check out Tottenham Hotspur blog Cartilage Free Captain. For more on the Red Devils, head over to Manchester United blog The Busby Babe.
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