Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are set to clash in a midweek fixture on Thursday. Instead of climbing higher in the Premier League table, the teams will set sights on securing a place in the EFL Cup semi-finals. Both teams have faced challenges in their respective Premier League campaigns this season, but both will be in high spirits going into this match, thanks to rare weekend victories. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United preview.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United Preview
Tottenham Hotspur
Ange Postecoglou was feeling the heat in the Tottenham dugout after a poor stretch of just one win in eight matches across all competitions. Under the Australian, the Lilywhites drew three matches and lost four in that run. Their only win, however, was a surprising 4-0 triumph over Man City in the Premier League.
However, the Spurs boss got the reaction he needed from his players on Sunday, when they thrashed a struggling Southampton side at St Mary’s. First-half goals from James Maddison (2), Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski, and Pape Matar Sarr secured an emphatic 5-0 win — a result that ultimately sealed Russell Martin’s fate.
Spurs have netted 36 top-flight goals this season, second only to high-flying Chelsea’s 37. Despite sitting 10th after 16 games, the North Londoners remain just five points adrift of the top four.
Spurs face tough tests ahead against league leaders Liverpool and fourth-placed Nottingham Forest. However, their immediate focus is Thursday’s EFL Cup tie against Man United, as they aim to secure a semi-final spot for the third time in five years.
Manchester United
After successive league defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, Man United have rediscovered their rhythm under new manager Ruben Amorim. They have won their last two away fixtures 2-1 — first against Viktoria Plzen, then in a morale-boosting triumph over rivals Man City.
The Red Devils appeared headed for a loss at the Etihad. But, a thrilling late rally saw Bruno Fernandes slot home an 88th-minute penalty, followed by Amad Diallo’s brilliant 90th-minute strike to snatch victory in dramatic fashion.
Man United may sit 13th in the Premier League table, but with just six points between them and the top four, Ruben Amorim will hope his players can carry the belief from their Man City triumph into the games ahead.
Man United, six-time winners of the EFL Cup, must now focus on Thursday’s trip to Spurs. However, they face a daunting task, having failed to win any of their last four meetings, including a 3-0 home drubbing in September during Erik ten Hag’s tenure.
Tottenham vs Manchester United Prediction
Tottenham dominated their clash with Man United three months ago, but with Postecoglou’s side proving both unpredictable and inconsistent, it’s hard to see them enjoying another straightforward victory.
Although Man United’s recent form has been less than convincing, two consecutive victories suggest they might grind out a draw in regulation time before sneaking into the semi-finals via a penalty shootout.
Our Tottenham vs Manchester United prediction is for the match to end in a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, with Manchester United emerging victorious in the penalty shootout.
