Manchester United will be hosting fellow title contenders Tottenham Hotspurs at Old Trafford in the Saturday's lunchtime kick-off. The two teams are tied at 20 points, but the Red Devils beat the Spurs to the second spot in the Premier League table due to their superior goal difference. The winner of this match will automatically occupy the second place, with Manchester City continuing to lead the league standings.

The Red Devils heads to the backdrop of losing their first Premier League game of the season last weekend at Huddersfield Town. The league newcomers stunned Mourinho's side with a 2-1 victory at John Smith's Stadium in a game that saw Phil Jones pull out with an injury before the break.

However, Manchester United is confident to host the Spurs after defeating Swansea City 2-0 in the league cup on Tuesday.

Tottenham Hotspurs travel to Manchester on Saturday after a disappointing 2-3 defeat at the hands of West Ham United on Wednesday in the league cup. The Spurs were leading 2-0 at the break, but a brace from Andre Ayew and Angel Obinze Ogbonna saw Mauricio Pochetino's men crash out of Carabao Cup. The Spurs will put the midweek woes behind them and put the focus on the Premier League, especially after humiliating Liverpool with a 4-1 victory last weekend at Wembley Stadium.

Talking points

  • Manchester United are unbeaten in the last 21 Premier League matches that the team has played at Old Trafford. Also, the Red Devils have kept clean sheets in the previous five Premier League games that they have played at home.
  • The Manchester club has won five out of seven games against Tottenham Hotspurs at Old Trafford in all competitions. Interestingly, José Mourinho's men have not conceded a goal in the five out of seven games against the Spurs in their backyard.
  • In five of the last six Premier League matches Manchester United has played at Old Trafford, the Red Devils have led both at half-time and full-time. Also, Manchester United has led the Spurs both at half-time and in full-time in the last home games in all competitions.
  • Tottenham Hotspurs have been impressive on the road after winning all the last six away fixtures in Premier League. In fact, Mauricio Pochetino's men have been leading both at half-time and full-time in five of the last six away Premier League matches.
  • The last four Premier League encounters between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspurs have seen a winner emerge with the home team prevailing in all the meetings.
  • Five out of the six Tottenham Hotspurs away Premier League fixtures have realized at least three goals.

Team news

The hosts will automatically miss Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic as they host the Londoners.

Eric Bailly and Marcos Rojo are still unfit to feature against the Spurs, but José Mourinho will be glad to welcome back Paul Pogba, who began training with the first team. Phil Jones, who was injured in the weekend loss against the Terriers, remains doubtful for the match and joins Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera, who will all be subjected to a late fitness test.

The injuries at Tottenham Hotspurs have dissipated, with only Victor Wanyama remaining the automatic absentee for the trip to Manchester. Eric Lamella returned to training after being sidelined with an injury for months since the season began and could feature at some stages of the Saturday fixture. However, Harry Kane missed the midweek 2-3 against West Ham United sidelined with a slight injury and his participation in the Saturday's contest will be subjected a late test.

Final score prediction: Manchester United 2-3 Tottenham Hotspurs.
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