Tottenham Hotspur is set to host Manchester United in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup this Thursday evening. As both teams battle for progression, the match promises intense action with each side bringing its unique challenges and motivations to the table.
Tottenham’s Quest for Silverware
After ending a five-game winless streak with a dominant 5-0 victory over Southampton, Spurs are shifting their focus to adding silverware to their cabinet. Manager Ange Postecoglou, known for delivering trophies in his second seasons, faces a significant test in his journey to bring glory to North London. Spurs haven’t lifted the EFL Cup since their triumph in the 2007/08 season, making this competition a prime opportunity to break their lengthy trophy drought.
Manchester United’s Resurgence Under Amorim
Manchester United’s journey under new manager Ruben Amorim has been turbulent yet promising. The Red Devils’ most recent highlight was a dramatic comeback win against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, inspired by an electrifying performance from Amad Diallo. However, Amorim’s squad still has inconsistencies to address, and this match will be a litmus test of their readiness to compete at the highest level.
Match Details
- Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England
- Date: Thursday, December 19
- Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
- Referee: John Brooks
- VAR: Not in use
Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
- Tottenham Wins: 2
- Manchester United Wins: 1
- Draws: 2
- Last Meeting: Tottenham 3-0 Manchester United (Premier League, September 29, 2024)
Recent Form (All Competitions)
Tottenham:
- Southampton 0-5 Tottenham
- Rangers 1-1 Tottenham
- Tottenham 3-4 Chelsea
- Bournemouth 1-0 Tottenham
- Tottenham 1-1 Fulham
Manchester United:
- Man City 1-2 Man United
- Viktoria Plzen 1-2 Man United
- Man United 2-3 Nottingham Forest
- Arsenal 2-0 Man United
- Man United 4-0 Everton
How to Watch
UK: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, Sky Ultra HD, Sky GO, NOW TV
US: Paramount+
Canada: DAZN Canada
Team News
Tottenham:
Spurs’ defense remains plagued by injuries. Destiny Udogie, who left the field early against Southampton, remains doubtful, though Postecoglou is optimistic about his availability. Key defenders Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies, and Cristian Romero remain sidelined, leaving Tottenham short of options at the back.
Further challenges include the absence of Rodrigo Bentancur (suspension) and attackers Richarlison, Mikey Moore, and Wilson Odobert due to injuries.
Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Forster; Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Spence; Bissouma, Sarr; Kulusevski, Maddison, Son; Solanke.
Manchester United:
Marcus Rashford’s future remains uncertain after his recent comments about seeking a “new challenge.” He, along with Alejandro Garnacho, was absent from the squad against Manchester City. Mason Mount is ruled out due to fitness issues, while Noussair Mazraoui faces a late fitness test. Luke Shaw is sidelined with a hamstring injury, but Jonny Evans could return.
Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1):
Onana; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Dalot, Mainoo, Ugarte, Malacia; Amad, Fernandes; Hojlund.
Match Prediction
Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance amidst inconsistency. Tottenham’s attacking trio of Son Heung-min, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski has the potential to overwhelm any defense, as demonstrated in their recent demolition of Southampton.
Manchester United, while improving under Amorim, still seems to lack stability. The absence of key players like Rashford and Mount could leave them vulnerable to Spurs’ relentless attack.
Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Manchester United
SOURCE: 90min.com
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