League Champions Manchester United entertain Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on New Years Day with both clubs hoping to close in on the top 4. Always an exciting fixture, this time it holds all the more importance due to both teams having surprisingly horrifying starts to the season. While United began a new era under David 'The Chosen One' Moyes, Tottenham continued with AVB and the post-Bale era.
Spurs- New recruits with promising talent, Levy had done his business well, and this side was expected to take the League by storm. Call it the Manager's lack of ability, or the squad requiring longer, the new team failed to produce results immediately as expected, disappointing fans and the board alike, eventually resulting in the sacking of Villas Boas. I personally feel he should have been given more time, what's the point of spending so much and not being able to build on it. But that's the way it goes now, patience doesn't exist, everyone wants quick results, or they're fired before they know it. In comes new boss and former midfielder, Tim Sherwood, having instant success in his game against Stoke. Tim has played 4-4-2 in all his games, it's the formation he prefers, so I expect him to stick with that at Old Trafford as well. Kyle Walker is available again having served a one match ban but Jermain Defoe, Andros Townsend, Younes Kaboul, and Jan Vertonghen are sidelines through injury.
My predicted 11: Lloris, Rose, Chiriches, Dawson, Walker, Eriksen, Dembele, Paulinho, Lennon, Adebayor, Soldado - 4-2-2!
United- 4 League wins on the trot, United have momentum. Finally seem to have overcome those early jitters, David Moyes seems to have found his best team. It took him a while, shuffling around, seeing who fits in his plans perfectly, but he seems to have done it. Injuries haven't helped it all. United's success last season was due to De Gea, Rafael, Carrick, Rooney, RVP. One or two of them have been injured throughout, replacements coming in have barely made an impact. Credit to Moyes for giving Rooney a new life, giving Januzaj his first life, transforming Cleverley, Young and Welbeck into totally different players. Hopefully a signing or two in January or the summer and the team looks good for the future. Wayne Rooney will be welcomed after missing out at Norwich (provided he's fit, rumours say he didn't train today), Van Persie is close to a comeback and hopefully will be on the bench. Antonio Valencia is available having served his one match ban, but Rafael, Nani, and Phil Jones are still out injured.
My predicted 11: De Gea, Evra, Evans, Vidic, Smalling, Januzaj, Carrick, Cleverley, Valencia, Rooney, Welbeck- 4-4-1-1.
Hope we carry the momentum forward and build the pressure on the teams above us in the league.
My prediction : United 2-1 Spurs.
Manan Vora
