TOTTENHAM v MANCHESTER UTD - RED DEVILS EXTINGUISH SPURS WHITE HART LANE FIREPOWER?
This will be another major test for the Ramos revolution with the visit of the reigning Champions to the Lane this weekend just a week after United dumped them out of the FA Cup. After ending the club’s Arsenal hoodoo with a resounding Carling Cup semi-final win, Juande’s side need to end a run of 14 matches without a win against the Red Devils (12 defeats). In fact Spurs have won just 3 of the last 35 encounters between the sides, losing 26 of those games. United have also won on their last 6 visits to White Hart Lane including a 4-0 thrashing this time, last year. It could be time to perform another miracle Juande.
Tottenham have been unfortunate in both their FA Cup and League defeats at Old Trafford this season and shouldn’t be overawed. They should also include over £15million of new signings in the shape of Jonathan Woodgate and Alan Hutton which should increase the level of excitement at White Hart Lane. The Carling Cup win over Arsenal has somewhat hidden the fact their League form is not that impressive under Ramos. He has won 6 of his 13 League matches and lost 4, this is hardly the form of a top 4 contender. He has not cured Spurs dismal away form either having gained a single point from the last 4 matches on the road. The Spaniard has improved Tottenham’s form at the Lane with 5 wins out of 6 (lost to Birmingham). However, apart from a win against Man City the rest of the fixtures have come against teams in the bottom 7 of the Premier League.
United have bounced back from defeat at West Ham to win the last 6 matches in all competitions (4 Premier League). The Red Devils have been particularly impressive at the back after keeping 4 clean-sheets in the last 4 games. They can expect to be tested defensively by a Spurs team with the highest amount of goals scored at home in the division. Unfortunately for Ramos they have also conceded the joint highest number of home goals so don’t be surprised if Cristiano Ronaldo keeps up his ‘Roy of the Rovers’ scoring run of 27 goals in his last 25 appearances (in all comps).
There is no doubt Spurs are steadily improving as a cup final appearance illustrates but they’re not ready to beat this United side especially with new players expected to feature in important positions. This truly will be a baptism of fire for Alan Hutton’s debut, welcome to the Premier League Alan, feel free to mark Ronaldo!
Pundit’s Pick: Red Devils get customary 3 points at the Lane (away win)
Tags: 02/02/08, Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Red Devils, Spurs, Tottenham
