 | Manchester United versus Tottenham HotspurLocation: Old Trafford (Manchester)Date: Saturday, October 30 Time: 12:30 p.m. Eastern Records (W-D-L, +/-, Place): United, 4-5-0, +8, 3rd Spurs, 4-3-2, +3, 5th |  |
English Premier League Week 10 Preview: Manchester United Look To Continue Their Dominance Over Tottenham
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Manchester United hasn’t lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the League since December, 1989, an impressive run of 18 victories in 22 matches over the course of 20 years. While each year the neutrals and Spurs fans find reasons why this will be the year Tottenham discontinues their woeful run, Manchester United supporters across the globe wait in anxious anticipation for what they think will be an eventual three points.
This year's Old Trafford showdown should be an entertaining contest, but it's also the first season Spurs, led by Harry Redknapp, have had to juggle Champions League football with Premier League play. Having come off a hard fought 1-1 draw at home to Everton last weekend, Spurs will surely have one eye on this Tuesday's home encounter with Inter Milan. Such it is that Harry Redknapp already has a selection headache on his hands in the form of whether or not to play star winger Gareth Bale from the start, or at all as the European Champions loom in the near future.
Projected Lineup, Manchester United (4-4-2) - Van der Sar - O’Shea, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra - Nani, Scholes, Fletcher, Anderson - Berbatov, Hernandez
Projected Lineup, Tottenham Hotspur (4-4-2) - Gomes - Hutton, Kaboul, Gallas, Assou-Ekotto - Lennon, Palacios, Modric, Bale - Van der Vaart, Crouch
Key Battle: Manchester United are finding it incredibly difficult in keeping clean sheets this season. While they have continued to win in recent matches, they have also perfected the ability to give away easy goals. Through not closing down opponents and committing the occasional error, United have gifted points to inferior opposition this season on multiple occasions. Look for Tottenham to exploit United’s leaky defense by testing Edwin van der Sar early and often in goal.
Battle Within the Battle: WIll Harry Redknapp save his prized possession Gareth Bale for the Inter Milan match on Tuesday? I think not. Whether he starts or appears from the bench late on, Bale's pace down the left will give fits to whomever Sir Alex elects to start at right back. John O'Shea or Rafael da Silva will get the nod but may need some help from Darren Fletcher or Anderson in containing Bale's runs.
Pick: After United's win away to Stoke City last weekend, they'll have gained some much needed confidence. In a tight and close match, United again win 2-1 and continue their dominance over Tottenham.
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