The Premier League weekend opens with a blockbuster early kickoff as Tottenham Hotspur welcome Manchester United to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Both sides are looking to gain momentum in the race for European qualification and perhaps more.
Sixth-placed Spurs enter the match seeking redemption after last weekend’s home defeat to Chelsea, while eighth-placed United arrive unbeaten in their last four league games, including a statement win over Liverpool.
Spurs Aim to Rebound After Chelsea Setback
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank urged his squad to show “bounce-back mentality” following their 4-0 victory over Copenhagen in their champions league tie midweek — the club’s biggest win under his reign.
That result eased pressure after a disappointing domestic run that has seen Spurs win just four of their last 20 home league fixtures.
Defender Micky van de Ven was the star of the night with a remarkable solo goal, earning comparisons to Lionel Messi for his end-to-end run and finish. Despite recent off-field tension, including his apology to the manager for failing to salute fans after the Chelsea defeat, Van de Ven has retained his starting place and remains central to Spurs’ plans.
United Eye Revenge and Redemption
For Manchester United, the visit to North London carries extra weight. Spurs denied them a Champions League berth last season by beating them 1-0 in the Europa League final — a loss that still lingers for the Red Devils.
Under Ruben Amorim, United have shown gradual improvement, controlling games with more composure and structure. Their recent form — including a 2-1 win over Liverpool and a battling draw at Nottingham Forest — suggests a team finding rhythm at the right time.
Amorim brushed off outside criticism this week, emphasizing progress over the past year as United continue to rebuild following a chaotic 2024 season.
Head-to-Head
The rivalry remains tight. In 204 previous meetings, United have won 96, Tottenham 57, with 51 ending in draws.
Despite Spurs sweeping all four meetings last season, including the Europa League final and a League Cup quarterfinal thriller, United have typically dominated the fixture, winning eight of the last 12 league encounters before that remarkable run of defeats.
Team News and Lineups
Tottenham Hotspur
Thomas Frank faces a lengthy injury list, with James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke, Radu Dragusin, Yves Bissouma, Ben Davies, Archie Gray, and Kota Takai ruled out.
Mohammed Kudus remains doubtful, while Lucas Bergvall is sidelined due to concussion protocols.
Predicted XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Palhinha, Sarr; Johnson, Richarlison, Simons.
Manchester United
Ruben Amorim’s only concern is defender Lisandro Martinez, who is back in training but not yet fully match-fit. Harry Maguire could return to the starting lineup after recovering from a knock, while Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt remain in contention for defensive roles.
Predicted XI: Lammens; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo, Cunha; Sesko.
What’s at Stake
A win could propel either side into the top four, at least temporarily. For Tottenham, it’s about proving they can turn home form into consistency. For Manchester United, it’s about exacting revenge and continuing their upward climb under Amorim’s reshaped system.
The match kicks off at 15:30 hrs EAT at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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