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Prediction: Manchester United vs Tottenham

Dan Steeden in FA Cup, Free Soccer Predictions 20 Apr 2018

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Verdict: Manchester United to Qualify

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmakers: Bet 365

Manchester United face Tottenham at Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final clash between the two sides. It is guaranteed to be an all-Premier League final at this stage but one big name is going out after this game. The Red Devils beat Bournemouth in preparation for this game, while Spurs could only manage a draw with Brighton. Regardless of the result this will be an intriguing affair.

Manchester United 

The Red Devils have had a hugely successful FA Cup campaign thus far. They have won all four of their games without conceding a single goal, and have scored 10 times themselves. It really couldn’t have gone much better for Jose Mourinho’s men so far, and the Portuguese coach has always been the master of grinding out results when it matters. They’ve also knocked out two Premier League sides in Huddersfield and Brighton, so they head into this clash against Tottenham with a lot of confidence.

An away win at Bournemouth will also have lifted spirits at Manchester United, especially after the West Brom defeat that preceded it. It is results such as that which will worry Mourinho and the Old Trafford faithful, especially as they face a much better team in Tottenham this weekend. It is one apiece in terms of wins for either side this season, with United having won 1-0 at Old Trafford and Spurs having managed a 2-0 victory at Wembley.

Team News

Jose Mourinho has a fully fit squad to call upon and rested a number of key players during the win over Bournemouth. The likes of Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic should start at the weekend.

Tottenham 

Spurs had a much tougher trip to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup than United did, though they brought most of that one themselves. Mauricio Pochettino’s side needed replays in both the fourth and fifth rounds against Newport and Rochdale, having previously beaten Wimbledon 3-0. They then proceeded to knock Swansea out with a 0-3 away win, in perhaps their most difficult game on paper. With 17 goals in six games, Tottenham have been far from bad in this competition, and they have also only conceded four times.

Unlike Manchester United, Spurs don’t head into this clash with a win under their belt in their last game. In fact Pochettino’s men have lost 1-3 at home to Premier League champions Manchester City and drawn 1-1 away at Brighton over the last week, which doesn’t put them in a strong position. They do however remain one of the most talented teams in English football, and with Harry Kane up front they are always a threat.

Team News

In defence Danny Rose has a calf injury that makes him a doubt for this game, while Kyle Walker-Peters has a hamstring issue.

Elsewhere Harry Winks remains side-lined with an ankle problem.

Key Factors to Consider

  • Manchester United have won seven of their last 10 games across all competitions.
  • The Red Devils have scored 17 goals across that same stretch of games.
  • Tottenham have also won seven of their last 10 games in all competitions.
  • Spurs have scored 24 goals in those 10 games.
  • The last meeting between these two sides ended in a 2-0 win for Tottenham.

Conclusion

This will be an interesting game as both sides have been very impressive this season, while not quite performing to their full potential. Manchester United will likely have the advantage simply because they’re at home, but otherwise these sides are fairly evenly matched. A comfortable win against Bournemouth allowed Mourinho to rest some key players, so confidence should be high at Old Trafford.

Verdict: Manchester United to Qualify

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmakers: Bet 365

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dan Steeden


Dan is a recent graduate of the University of Birmingham and an often frustrated Wigan Athletic fan. When not despairing at events unfolding at the DW Stadium he can be found fangirling over Antoine Griezmann or staying up into the early hours of the morning to cheer on the Seattle Seahawks.

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