Tottenham Hotspur vs. Manchester United Preview

Manchester United will be out to confirm their superiority over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on March 4 and ensure that only two teams remain in the title race heading into the final chapter of the season.

After a heavy 5-2 beating at Arsenal in the North London derby, Spurs fell ten points behind leaders Manchester City and eight points behind second placed United.

And the significant blow from that result means that Harry Redknapp’s men may now be looking down instead of up, with Arsenal subsequently closing the gap on Spurs in the chase for Champions League qualification.

Sitting in third, Spurs still hold a sizeable seven point advantage over rivals Arsenal and Chelsea in fourth and fifth respectively however another defeat in this fixture could instigate a serious wobble.

Without doubt, Tottenham are all but out of the reckoning for Premier League glory but this match will be a real test of their mettle as they aim to prove that their bubble has not completely burst.

United have a real stronghold over Tottenham in terms of head to head form and they will take confidence into this match after triumphing 3-0 in the reverse fixture at the start of the campaign.

Ryan Giggs’ late winner away at Norwich also gave the club further belief that overturning City was possible.

This will be an even sterner examination of the Red Devils’ title credentials however it is one which they can definitely pass – as it is questionable whether or not Tottenham can now keep their heads and level of play up until the end of the season.

If United are to be successful, they will be only the second side to raid the Lane this season after Manchester City’s 1-5 success at the beginning of August.

Ironic it is that United will have to follow in City’s footsteps if they are to stay in contention – and a win really is a must assuming that City should pick up an easy three points at home to Bolton Wanderers.

Despite Spurs’ collapse at the Emirates, United are still available at 8/5 and this looks extremely good value considering that Alex Ferguson will be smelling blood.

Tottenham have been excellent at home since the opening day however at 9/5 they are simply not big enough to take a punt and it remains to be seen whether they will flat line now that they are too far off the title pace.

The difference between the two teams could well be experience and that attribute becomes even more important when the football season reaches its business end.

The likes of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs could quite conceivably be run off their feet by players such as Gareth Bale and Luka Modric but their footballing brain and know how more than compensates for their ageing legs.

Spurs are sure to have a good go at United but it is the visitors who have to be fancied going into the game on the back of a dramatic late win and they can build further momentum for the vital weeks to come.

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26/02/2012     © Frixo 2024