Manchester United and Tottenham face off on Sunday at Old Trafford looking forward to give their hopes of a top-four finish a boost with a much needed three points.
Manchester United crashed out of FA Cup at home to Arsenal on Monday night. The Premier League is the only halting competition through Louis van Gaal making his debut season anything resembling a success, with a top-four finish of paramount importance.
United have not got a victory in their last five matches against Spurs since 3-1 away victory in march 2012. They had been unbeaten in the previous 22 league meetings. Spurs have won on each of their last two trips to Old Trafford.
Robin van Persie remains out because of ankle injury. Defender Rojo could make it despite struggling with a goin problem. Angel di and Evans are suspended. United have won eight of their nine home league games, only dropping points in the defeat by Southampton. Wayne Rooney has scored seven goals in his last eight Premier League starts against Spurs, also scored 94 goals at Old Trafford.
Louis van Gaal said "Spurs have a lot of talent because when you see the section, you see a lot of youngsters playing and lot of older players with experience who are not. That's also nice to see, the process of another club. I have to say they are playing well and I hope we can beat them- it shall be very difficult again. I'm very pleased with the (player's) reaction and I hope we can show that against Spurs- the first of 10 matches in the rat race. Every game is very important. We must keep the fighting spirit and we have to be more effective in finishing our chances."
Pochettino has a fully fit Spurs squad to choose from and was able to give squad a two day break in the lead up to the game at Old Trafford. They have recovered 16 points from losing positions, more than any other Premier League team. Harry Kane has scored in his last six Premier League away games; only one player in the competition's history has scored in seven consecutive away games.
"I am brave. I never think in another way. My football idea is always to concentrate on the opponents goal, so why should I change? It goes against my way of thinking. My football is about trying to have the ball, playing attacking football and damaging the opponent. This is my feeling, my idea, and I need to translate those ideas to the team. I want to win the games, and while it's true that you need to provide a good balance to the team, but I want to have the ball and try to score." said Mauricio Pochettino.
EXPECTED XI
0 comments:
Post a Comment