Tottenham Hotspur are searching for a fourth straight victory in all competitions when they travel to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon to face Manchester United in the Premier League.
After finding himself under pressure in the Spurs dugout, Ange Postecoglou has responded with three wins on the trot against Coventry City in the Carabao Cup, Brentford in the Premier League and, most recently, Qarabag in the Europa League.
However, a trip to Old Trafford will prove a much trickier proposition, with Postecoglou failing to win there last season. Man Utd are in patchy form themselves, however, and the Lilywhites will be aiming to take advantage as they bid to climb the table.
Here is how Spurs could line up for their clash in Manchester.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs Man Utd (4-3-3)
GK: Guglielmo Vicario – There is no doubting Vicario’s shot-stopping ability for a Spurs side that give up a few too many chances, but Man Utd may try and target his vulnerability from crosses and set pieces.
RB: Pedro Porro – Marcus Rashford’s new-found confidence may cause Porro a few issues in his own half, especially with Diogo Dalot on the overlap, but he will be hoping to unnerve Man Utd’s defence himself with his forward runs.
CB: Cristian Romero – The hot-headed Argentine has been guilty of a few lapses in concentration this season that have proved costly, but he will relish a physical battle with either Joshua Zirkzee or Rasmus Hojlund.
CB: Micky van de Ven – The Dutchman’s speed and athleticism will be essential in covering the darting runs of Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho in behind Spurs’ high line.
LB: Destiny Udogie – Udogie’s return from injury at the start of 2024/25 has been significant for Spurs’ defensive set-up and the Italian will have to be on high alert at Old Trafford with the likes of Garnacho and Amad Diallo sprinting at him.
DM: Yves Bissouma – Screening the back four and keeping close tabs on Bruno Fernandes will be Bissouma, whose absence has proved costly in games against Leicester City and Arsenal this season.
CM: Rodrigo Bentancur – Dejan Kulusevski has been used as part of Spurs’ midfield trio in recent weeks but Bentancur will offer greater defensive stability and balance at Old Trafford. He leads Spurs for interceptions per 90 in the Premier League and also ranks high for successful tackles.
CM: James Maddison – Maddison looked back to his electric best against Brentford last weekend and found the back of the net in the 3-1 victory. He boasts more than double the expected assists total of any of his teammates with 2.9 in the league.
RW: Brennan Johnson – With three goals in three games in three different competitions, Johnson has firmly taken control of Spurs’ right flank. The Welshman’s speed and direct approach may be key in unlocking Man Utd’s defence.
ST: Dominic Solanke – The confidence should be flowing for Tottenham’s lucrative summer signing after opening his account with two goals over the past week. Solanke scored in both clashes with Man Utd for Bournemouth last season.
LW: Heung-min Son – The skipper is an injury doubt heading to Old Trafford but should feature if remotely fit. No Spurs player has scored more (2), created more big chances (4) or overall chances (13) in the Premier League than Son this term.
