A trophy would mean a lot to both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United with the two rivals going head-to-head for a place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
By Graham Ruthven
Chance to make a statement
There has been a lot of overlap between the respective seasons of Tottenham and Manchester United. Indeed, both teams have struggled for consistency and could use a deep run in the Carabao Cup to prove they are making progress.
Spurs have stood by Ange Postecoglou, but the Australian has come under pressure as his team have suffered a series of damaging results. Sunday’s win over Southampton was Tottenham’s first in five matches.
United, meanwhile, changed manager by swapping Erik ten Hag for Rúben Amorim with the Old Trafford outfit still absorbing the ideas of the Portuguese coach.
Sunday’s Manchester Derby victory was Amorim’s biggest result as Manchester United boss to date. A win over Spurs on Thursday would add to the sense that United are building momentum.
A tale of two attacks
Tottenham are best when they have open space to attack. The likes of Son Heung-min, Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski all thrive in quick transition and so Spurs will attempt to create as many rapid attacking moments as they can.
Manchester United are similarly set up to attack open space with Amad Diallo in particular thriving under the stewardship of Amorim who has installed the Ivorian as a key figure. He could keep his place for the away game at Spurs, although Amorim has hinted at rotating Diallo.
Rasmus Højlund has scored five goals in his last five outings and has given United the attacking focal point they need to make Amorim’s system work. Around the Dane in the final third, Diallo and Bruno Fernandes have been favoured.
Thursday’s match could be a high-scoring affair with Tottenham scoring two or more goals in each of their last four matches against Manchester United in all competitions.
Team news
Yves Bissouma could return to the Tottenham lineup after serving a one-match suspension against Southampton. He could replace Lucas Bergvall in the side.
Postecoglou has a long injury list to contend with. Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Guglielmo Vicario, Ben Davies, Wilson Odobert and Richarlison are all currently sidelined for Tottenham Hotspur.
Destiny Udogie is also a doubt for the North London outfit after sustaining a knock in the first half of Sunday’s thumping of Southampton. This could push Djed Spence over to the left side of the defence.
Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho could return after being omitted from Manchester United’s matchday squad for Sunday’s win over City, although Amorim clearly has an issue with the pair’s commitment levels.
Mason Mount is a doubt after coming off with a fresh injury against Manchester City, although it’s unclear just how long the midfielder will be out of action for.
Jonny Evans and Noussair Mazrouai are injury concerns ahead of the quarter-final meeting with Tottenham. Luke Shaw is a long-term injury and will be missing.
Prediction
With inconsistency cursing Spurs this season and Manchester United’s burgeoning confidence levels, we could be looking at an away win here; Tottenham 1-2 Manchester United.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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