Defending Champions Man United will be looking for their second straight win of the new season when Tottenham take a trip to Old Trafford this evening. Harry Redknapp’s side have yet to play a league game this season following the postponement of last week’s home fixture Everton and warmed up with a 5-0 Europa League win at Hearts in midweek.
Likely Line-Ups
Both sides are severely hindered by injuries coming into the game. Sir Alex Ferguson saw Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand both limp out of last week’s win at West Brom, meaning Jonny Evans will partner Phil Jones at centre-half. Patrice Evra returns from injury for the hosts, with Fabio dropping to the bench as Chris Smalling continues at right-back.
Tottenham’s win at Hearts saw them stretched for central midfield options. Niko Krancjar and Jake Livermore are the only full-fit squad members available in the middle of the pitch, although Tom Huddlestone came on as a sub at Tynecastle and may feature. Reports today suggest Luka Modric is refusing to play in order to force through a move to Chelsea. Jermaine Defoe grabbed a goal in midweek and looks set to get the nod up front.
Left Wing Wizards
A look at the attack sides graphic from the West Brom game highlights how much United used Young’s left flank in comparison to Nani on the other flank- 43% came from the left, with just 31% on the right. Clearly, he’s already proving to be a pivotal part of the Champions’ first XI this season.
Ashley Young’s performance at West Brom, on the back of his performance in the Community Shield, has shown just how quickly he seems to have settled at Old Trafford. Playing on the left, Young tormented Steven Reid with 2 successful dribbles, as well as making 2 key passes in the 2-1 win. He also had 1 shot and picked up 1 assist –for the crucial winner- in addition to an impressive 86% pass accuracy, as he picked up a WhoScored.com rating of 6.91 in his Premier League debut for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
Gareth Bale had an outstanding season for Spurs last time round. The 2010/11 PFA Player of the Year was a key performer on the Tottenham left and will be up against Chris Smalling –a centre-half by trade- this evening. Bale averaged 1.6 key passes per game and made 2 successful dribbles, with his trickery on the flank causing damage time and again. He also had 2.1 shots per game and had a pass accuracy of 74%, on his way to picking up a WhoScored.com rating of 7.19 for the season.
Key Battles
Anderson v Van der Vaart
Given their outstanding home record, United are strong favourites going into the game- they dropped just two points at Old Trafford all last season. They are nowhere near full-strength for this evening’s match, however, and with Patrice Evra the only first-choice member of the back-four available, the home side will need to be on full alert to nullify the threat that is Rafael Van der Vaart.
Luckily for United, Anderson has made an impressive start to the season. Against West Brom, all aspects of the midfielder’s game excelled- he made 4 tackles and 4 successful dribbles, more than any team mate for either category. Anderson also made 1 interception, 1 key pass and had a brilliant 96% pass accuracy for an overall rating of 7.42 from WhoScored.com. His contribution will be key here.
Van der Vaart had an immediate impact in his debut 2010/11 season. The Dutchman was chief creator for Tottenham- he made 2.39 key passes per game, with an 84% pass accuracy. Van der Vaart was the club’s top scorer, with 13 goals, and averaged 4 shots per game, easily more than any Spurs player. A WhoScored.com rating of 7.46 mirrored his brilliant performances on the pitch and if the visitors are to get anything from tonight’s match, Van der Vaart will most likely be at the heart of it.
Rooney v Dawson
Rooney’s season is already off to a flier. His scintillating pre-season form was carried into the game at West Brom and it was no surprise to see the United forward open the scoring on 13 minutes. Although he lined up just behind Danny Welbeck, Rooney got forward time and again and as this player position map from the Baggies game shows, Rooney (10) was the furthest forward of the pair.
He made more 44 passes, more than any of United’s attack-minded players, and made 2 key passes in the opening day victory. Rooney was also the visitors’ main goal threat- he had 3 shots, scoring 1 goal and picked up a man of the match rating of 7.68 from WhoScored.com.
Michael Dawson is in for a busy night. If Spurs are to repel their opponents, he’ll need to be at his very best against Rooney. Dawson was an inspiration at the back for Harry Redknapp’s side last term, with 2 tackles, 2 interceptions and an incredible 11 clearances per game. Dawson also won 70% of his aerial duels and picked up a WhoScored.com match rating of 7.12. Whether he can shackle Rooney tonight is another matter entirely.
