Gameday: United vs. Tottenham

Starsky and Hutch? Holmes and Watson?

The 411:
This time, United take on Tottenham where an in-form Nani and Chicharito square up against an in-form Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart. Get your buckets ready cause this one looks like it's gonna be a drool fest.


Chasing the Title:
After Chicharito's rise to cult status among us United fans, the Red Devils look like they've finally gotten on the bike again (*furiously knocks on wood*) and are going into this game with a lot of confidence after some disappointing games against Everton, Fulham, and Sunderland.

Also, despite the negativity surrounding United, we're still third in the table and behind Arsenal by goal difference. We still got this.

Where We Stand:

1|Chelsea|9P|23GD|22PTS
2|Arsenal|9P|11GD|17PTS
3|United|9P|8|GD|17PTS
4|Man City|9P|4GD|17PTS
---------------------------------
5|Tottenham|9P|3GD|15PTS

Enemy Form:
Tottenham's one of those teams that are doing well, but not quite well enough to be recognized as potential title challengers. They are D-W-W-L-W in their last 5 games and that's a pretty good record. Tottenham are a strong team and I genuinely feel like it will be a tough game for us tonight. That's not to say that we're gonna have a crappy game like the first half of the Wolves game. I think there will be a lot of goals, a lot of chances, and maybe even a few cards.

Players to Look Out For:
Why do I think tonight will be an explosive game? Well, the clash of the in-form players will provide a lot of fireworks. This brings me to player number 1: Gareth Bale. He started his career off as a defender but is now using his speed and technique to rip up the left wing for Tottenham. If he is in full-flight and plays like he did against Inter, then I suggest we use two right backs.

There is also Tottenham's top scorer and Dutch masterclass Rafael van der Vaart. He has got excellent passing skills and has shown his eye for goal this season for Spurs. We're gonna need to keep him and Bale quiet throughout this game if we want any chance of winning. To do that, I fear Sir Alex will use a 4-3-3 to keep the Spurs midfield contained. Personally, I think that by using this formation we're sacrficing some attacking flair. This brings me to player number 3: Javier Hernández. Chicharito has started on what seems to be a hot streak. If we play 4-3-3, then the beautiful link-up play we saw between him and Berba will be gone. It also means that either him or Berbatov will have to carry the attacking load.

Finally, Nani will be beautiful. That is all.

On the Home Front:
Looks like Wayne Rooney will be out for longer than we all though, bad for him but hey, as long as at least 1 out of our four strikers is on form, I'm happy. Other injuries include Valencia, Hargreaves, Owen, and Giggs. What does that mean? Another battle for that left-wing spot. I'm putting my money on Park starting. 

In other news, Harry Redknapp has said that we miss Ronaldo. Judging by my Football Manager experience, this is obviously an attempt at feeble mind games.

TSR's Thoughts:
1. How will we deal with Gareth Bale?
2. I hope we don't start (or finish the game) with Anderson on the field.
3. Berbatov doesn't look like a sex trader anymore with his new haircut.

*Barbra Streisand*