In the first leg, hosted by United at Old Trafford on October 30, 2010, the hosts won 2-0. The game ended on a controversial note when Nani added a second goal on 84 minutes to double the lead that Vidic's 31st minute header gave Sir Alex's squad. Nani's goal transpired from a comical error by the Tottenham 'keeper, who, in anticipation of a free-kick, played to the whistle and put down the ball. Nani, just behind Gomes, appeared to be waiting for referee Clattenburg' decision and deciding that none was forthcoming, turned and put the ball into Spurs' net. Controversy apart, the second goal had nothing to do with Tottenham's comprehensive defeat.
Rio Ferdinand returned to partner Vidic in the United defence; Vidic set pre-match speculation to rest by handling Bale with consummate ease, even as Carrick negated Van der Vaart's pace. For Spurs, Modric and Van der Vaart created space in midfield but were let down by Keane who appeared out of his league as Tottenham's striker.
Head to head, between the sides, Manchester United have enjoyed an overwhelming 15-1 advantage in 20 league games over the last decade. Spurs' sole win came in May 2001 at White Hart Lane when they won 3-1.
Tottenham have won 6 of their last 10 league games, while losing just the one and drawing the rest. United have won 7 of their last 10, while drawing 3, and remain the only unbeaten team this season.
Currently placed 4th in the points table, Spurs have won 6 out of 11 times, at home, this season, while drawing 4 and losing just the solitary game. United, at the top of the table, have won just 2 of 9 games on the road, while drawing the remaining 7.
Notwithstanding their loss away to Everton in match week 22, Tottenham's current form is excellent, but they will be up against a United squad that have all their key players match-fit and running. Spurs' ricketty defence will be sorely tested, and Redknapp's charges should consider themselves lucky to be able to snatch any points from the game.
Tottenham had the following men in their starting eleven against Everton in match week 22: Gomes, Hutton, Dawson, Gallas, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Modric, Jenas, Bale, Van der Vaart and Crouch. Keane and Kranjcar featured as substitutes.
The players who constituted Manchester United's starting eleven against Stoke are Kuszczak, Da Silva, Vidic, Smalling, Evra, Nani, Gibson, Fletcher, Giggs, Berbatov and Hernandez. Carrick and Owen were used as substitutes.
For the latest sports gossip, including the Premier League, click http://www.sportingattitude.com. Suresh Iyer is an avid sports fan and blogger. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suresh_Iyer |
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