Source: SKY_Sports
Man Utd v Tottenham preview
Manchester United know the visit of Tottenham Hotspur is going to be a pivotal fixture in their quest for Premier League glory.[LNB] Wednesday's victory over Portsmouth saw United reclaim top spot in the league and the result puts Sir Alex Ferguson's side firmly in the driving seat to match Liverpool's record of 18 titles.[LNB]With time running out for the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea to catch the Red Devils, bosses Rafa Benitez and Gus Hiddink will be hoping Spurs can do them a favour.[LNB]Harry Redknapp has turned the ship around at White Hart Lane by steering the Londoners away from relegation and has eyes on a place in next season's Europa League.[LNB]Redknapp, who masterminded FA Cup victories over United during spells at West Ham and Pompey, faces the sternest of tasks to claim even a point at a ground where Tottenham rarely get anything.[LNB]NightmareThe Theatre of Dreams has been one of nightmares for Spurs with only three draws from their last 16 visits to Old Trafford, but at least Redknapp's side come into the game with the better league form of the two sides.[LNB]The midweek win for United came at a price with the injuries to Gary Neville and John O'Shea, the former is ruled out of Saturday's teatime fixture but O'Shea has made a shock recovery and could feature.[LNB]Ferguson has been boosted by the return of Wes Brown after the defender featured for the reserves twice this week, but the United boss may consider the defender too rusty to start so Rafael may get the nod at right-back.[LNB]Rio Ferdinand has been described as the key figure in the Red Devils' title bid by former Red David May and the England international is set to return at the heart of United's defence after being rested for the 2-0 win over Pompey.[LNB]Spurs boostJermaine Jenas could return for Tottenham after missing Sunday's 1-0 victory over struggling Newcastle with a hamstring injury.[LNB]But Spurs, who are unbeaten in six games against the top four this season, look set to be without the services of Michael Dawson and Roman Pavlyuchenko.[LNB]Dawson is out for three weeks after partially tearing ankle ligaments in last weekend's win so Johnathan Woodgate and Ledley King are expected to be the centre-back partnership.[LNB]Pavlyuchenko had hoped to recover from a back injury, but the United fixture appears to have come too soon for the Russian striker.[LNB]Alan Hutton impressed in his substitute appearance against the Magpies and may pip Vedran Corluka to a starting berth at right-back.[LNB]Possible starting XIs:[LNB]Man Utd: Van der Sar, Evra, Vidic, Ferdinand, Rafael, Park, Scholes, Carrick, Ronaldo, Berbatov, Rooney.[LNB]Tottenham: Gomes, Assou-Ekotto, King, Woodgate, Hutton, Modric, Palacios, Jenas, Lennon, Bent, Keane.[LNB]
