AFTER another managerial change, Spurs appear to be drinking in the last-chance saloon in terms of qualifying for the Champions League when they host Manchester United on Thursday.
Tottenham vs Manchester United odds
Tottenham vs Manchester United betting preview
Tottenham’s embarrassing 6-1 hammering at Newcastle on Sunday sparked chairman Daniel Levy into action once again and so the hosts will be led by Ryan Mason for the visit of Manchester United.
The former Spurs midfielder enjoyed a previous spell in charge – in the wake of Jose Mourinho’s departure in 2021 – and brought some success.
He won four of six league games and, perhaps most importantly for the fans, a more attacking philosophy.
Players have spoken about Mason’s focus on positivity – a far cry from the recent rants of Antonio Conte – and you can bet he won’t have been dwelling on the result at St James’ Park but more concentrating on strengths such as Harry Kane’s goalscoring ability which remains undimmed despite the team’s recent slump.
Mason helped Spurs secure their place in Europe at the end of that 2020/21 campaign and he’s facing a similar task here.
The Newcastle defeat might have been the final nail in the coffin in terms of Champions League qualification, although the good news is they have a chance here to gain ground on another of the current top four.
United look likely to hold onto such a spot but they’ve had a rough time with injuries of late with their defence currently suffering badly.
They did manage to scrape into the FA Cup final on Sunday but only after extra time and that’s a factor which could raise its head here.
United have struggled against the best teams away from home, notching just the one win against the top 12 (at Fulham), and they look rather short to be posting a victory here.
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Tottenham vs Manchester United key stats
- Spurs’ Harry Kane has scored the opening goal of a Premier League game nine times this season - a competition high.
- Kane also leads the league for shots taken – his tally of 115 puts him well clear of second-placed Mo Salah (98).
- Manchester United have conceded 29 goals away from home this season. Of the top 14, only Spurs have let in more on their travels.
- Spurs have 11 wins from 16 home games in the Premier League. They are yet to draw on their own patch this term.
- Christian Eriksen has seven assists from 19 Premier League starts this season. Only Kevin De Bruyne has a better ‘assist rate’.
Tottenham vs Manchester United best bets
Tottenham to win
Anyone who saw Sunday’s capitulation at Newcastle will know this is a bit of risk but there is method in the madness.
The appointment of Ryan Mason will bring renewed positivity to the squad, the fans and, most importantly, the tactics board – expect a more attacking mindset for the hosts in this game.
Mason won four of his six league games in charge when he took over around this time two years ago with Spurs scoring nine goals in four home matches.
United have been a little brittle on the road, especially against the better sides. In their other away games against the current top seven, they’ve lost all five, conceding 21 times in the process.
Spurs beat Man City here and can repeat the trick against their neighbours.
Christian Eriksen anytime assist
Eriksen’s return to the United midfield has given them a much-needed boost after injuries and suspensions hit hard in that area over the past couple of months.
With Bruno Fernandes a doubt, the Dane could be the main creative force for this game and frankly he’s very good at that job.
Eriksen has seven assists in 19 Premier League starts this season – a rate that only Kevin De Bruyne can better.
Spurs’ defence is coming into this one having conceded nine in their last two games, while they are without a clean sheet in six.
Harry Kane to score at any time
Kane has scored 41% of Tottenham’s goals this season and with Son Heung-min’s contribution having tailed off badly compared to last season, he’s clearly the most likely home scorer.
He sits second in the race for the Golden Boot, one set to be won by Erling Haaland, and eight of his last 12 league games have seen the England captain find the net, including matches with Manchester City and Newcastle.
United are still missing first-choice centre-backs Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane and one suspects Kane will fancy his chances up against international team-mate Harry Maguire, whose confidence can hardly be high right now.
For those seeking a bigger price, it’s worth noting that Kane has scored the opening goal of a Premier League game more times than anyone else this season (9).
How to watch Tottenham vs Manchester United
- Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England.
- Time: Thursday, April 27, 20:15 BST
- Where to watch: BT Sport 1
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