It will be a welcome relief to watch Tottenham Hotspur take to the pitch once again on Friday. And what a way to return but with Manchester United coming to visit! Usually, there is excitement before a big match, especially travelling to the game, having a few pints with your mates before taking your seat. Nevertheless, this should be an interesting encounter, even if our fans can only watch it on screens.
Our last encounter with the Red Devils was in December, at Old Trafford in a 2-1 defeat. It is hard to stretch the mind back that far after such a long break. Nevertheless, Marcus Rashford grabbed a brace to sink Spurs. Dele scored a corker though, a flash of brilliance. He was building on scoring on three consecutive appearances for the first time since March 2017.
However, the match on Friday could be an unpredictable affair. After all, both clubs have only played friendly matches since the protracted break. Spurs lost their friendly against Norwich City 2-1 which does not bode particularly well ahead of the restart. But, behind closed doors, it was not entirely clear how this match was played out. It seemed to be a training match affair with four halves and constantly rotating personnel.
In that friendly, Erik Lamela grabbed a goal. There is not a great deal to read from this, however, Lamela is a form player. Spurs fans remember fondly the third goal that he inflicted upon United in that otherwise disappointing season in 2016. The player has since cut his hair shorter and has a bleached blonde barnet.
But, the key player for Spurs will be Harry Kane. These strange times have meant that Kane won’t be missing the remainder of the season. He is fit and raring to go. It will be incredibly exciting to see him back in action. United will have to monitor him closely.
In a clash such as this, Spurs will have to watch out for whoever United puts on the pitch. They similarly have had the time to rehabilitate some of their injured players.
Marcus Rashford is likely to be a threat again, just like he was against us in the last fixture. He is quick, able to beat defenders with ease and has proven he can score goals. If he is deployed in the left-wing position, then he will most likely be up against Serge Aurier. This will worry some of the Tottenham faithful. Before the break. Aurier was inconsistent, to say the least. Whether he has scrubbed up on his defending during this time is yet to be seen.
Making a prediction ahead of this match is difficult. Tottenham have the home advantage yet will have no fans in the stadium. They will, however, have a live video wall of fans to cheer them on. Both clubs have the majority of their squad to choose from. Form has gone completely out of the window. Therefore, I will predict Tottenham to have a slender 1-0 victory over the Reds.
By Declan Wiseman of spursforlife.com.
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