Manchester United VS Tottenham Hotspur Match Prediction
- 2016-12-11
- 14:15:00
Draw will win this match.
Spurs have only won two of their last 21 games at Old Trafford in all competitions, so the betting odds are against them according to the head-to-head record between these two clubs.
Last season, both Premier League matches went to the home team, with Spurs triumphing 3-0 at White Hart Lane but losing 1-0 at Old Trafford. Spurs have failed to score on four of their last six visits to Old Trafford, although their two wins at the ground were both since 2012.
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Tottenham's rotten record at Old Trafford has been improving in recent years, but this is still a ground that does not tend to offer them a lot of hope. United's run of draws at home is holding back a title challenge for Jose Mourinho's men and Spurs can take advantage of that despite their own inconsistency on the road. A draw feels quite likely in this one.
United are favourites in the betting odds but a price of 5/4 reflects a loss of confidence in Mourinho's ability to edge tight games at Old Trafford. Visitors Spurs can be backed at 13/5, but preferred is the draw at 12/5.
There have been under 2.5 goals scored in United's last four home games, so under 2.5 goals is recommended at 10/11. In fact, three of those matches ended 1-1, which is our prediction for this game at 6/1 in the correct score betting odds. The 8/11 on Spurs double chance is tempting too.
Chris Smalling is still out but Eric Bailly made his return in the Europa League win at Zorya on Thursday, so he should start alongside Phil Jones in the United back line. Luke Shaw is a doubt, so either Daley Blind or Matteo Darmian will start at left-back.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored his first goal for United against Zorya with an excellent solo effort and he is becoming increasingly influential for the club after a slow start.
United's inconsistency is clear from their recent results - WDWDWDW - but seven matches unbeaten is building some momentum. At home in the league, United have drawn four in a row, however, failing to score more than once in any of those matches.
Goalkeeper:De Gea
Defenders:Valencia, Jones, Bailly, Blind
Midfielders:Pogba, Herrera, Carrick
Forwards:Mkhitaryan, Ibrahimovic, Martial
Toby Alderweireld is expected to return from injury to make his first start in the league in almost two months, but Spurs are still without Erik Lamela and Ben Davies is a doubt.
Harry Kane's injury caused problems for Spurs earlier in the campaign but the England striker is back and in good form going into this weekend's trip to Old Trafford.
Spurs have won their last two matches, scoring a total of eight goals against Swansea and CSKA, but both games were at home against moderate opposition. Spurs have not won any of their last seven matches away from home in all competitions.
Goalkeeper:Lloris
Defenders:Walker, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Rose
Midfielders:Wanyama, Dier, Alli
Forwards:Eriksen, Kane, Son