Premier League: Ready for a Wembley Thriller?

Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United

This is a massive contest for both sides and should be a fabulous spectacle for the neutrals.

Anything other than victory will surely end Spurs’ outside title aspirations while, with a respectful nod to their recent win at Newcastle, this is interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first real test since he landed in the Manchester United hot seat three weeks ago.

Spurs start as favourites – just – as they go in search of a first league double over their opponents since before the Premier League began.

Talking Points

It was in 1989-90 when the Lilywhites achieved that feat when Gary Lineker and Paul Gascoigne were in their pomp and World Cup-bound.

Those of a certain vintage, like me, will still go misty-eyed at the memory of Italia 90!

Back to the current day, and most SBOBET fans will surely agree this is probably the best side Spurs have had since the early 90s.

They are third in the table, this on the back of a third-place finish last season and two successive runner-up spots.

They also are 90 minutes away from an appearance in next month’s League Cup Final, following their midweek success over Chelsea.

Moreover, they have a new ‘old’ home to return to soon and, looking at the development photos, it’s a very exciting time as they move towards returning to White Hart Lane. Hopefully, for them, this will help them become a genuine force for the leading prizes.

Of course, there is a large elephant in the room for this fixture. That surrounds not any player but the dugout.

Manchester United take on Tottenham on Sunday in the Premier League, Will Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pass Spurs test? — Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reacts during the Premier League match

In Solskjaer, United have an interim boss who has already said he definitely wants to be the next permanent Manchester United boss.

In the other dugout, Mauricio Pocchetino is keeping his cards close to his chest.

He has outlined his hope to remain at Spurs for a long time to come, yet there remains a doubt that the Argentine would seriously contemplate a move should the biggest job in English football be offered to him.

In truth, this will be the first proper test of Solskjaer’s credentials and whether he has genuine credibility to become a full-time successor to Jose Mourinho.

This is also his opportunity to stake his claim against the man widely considered the favourite for the post.

Not only will all eyes be on the men in charge, but both teams will have something to aim for.

Spurs could win three consecutive top-flight meetings with United for the first time since 1960.

United, meanwhile, want to end a run of three straight Premier League defeats at Spurs, having been beaten just three times in the previous 23 games (won 12, drawn eight). In fairness, two of those losses were ‘dead rubbers’ for the Mancunians.

Given the two sides have scored 40 goals between them in their last six matches in all competitions, it’s clear that all the ingredients are in place for a contest which should produce some of the Premier League 2019 highlights.

History

Last season saw United hold the upper hand in their clashes.

A late Anthony Martial goal settled the league encounter at Old Trafford, while a blistering start from Spurs – which included a goal after 11 seconds – helped them run out 2-0 winners at Wembley.

It was United who triumphed when they next met at the national stadium in an exciting FA Cup semi-final: the Red Devils recorded a 2-1 success.

Although a much closer game than the scoreline suggests, three second-half goals helped Spurs to a convincing 3-0 win at Old Trafford earlier this season when Lucas Moura enjoyed his best day in a Tottenham shirt since his move to North London from Paris St German 12 months ago.

Betting Tip

	Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United	1-1 Correct Score @ 6.60
	January 14, 00:30 (GMT+8)

I do think this will be an exciting attacking game with both sides playing football in a manner which has become synonymous with the respective club’s DNA.

Spurs are favourites with Premier League 2019 betting odds. They are priced 1X2 @ 2.07 with United an attractive @ 3.35. The draw is offered @ 3.45.

Asian Handicap betting also edges in favour of the North Londoners -0.75 @ 2.35 and Man Utd +0.25 @ 2.17.

With goals expected, there’s no real surprise you can get odds of over 3.00 goals @ 2.11. Total goal 2-3 will pay out @ 2.00 and total goal 4-6 @ 2.81.

The double chance Man Utd or draw @ 1.69 will certainly tempt a few.