Mark Lawrenson is predicting a 1-1 draw between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon.
Pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks Tottenham Hotspur will draw 1-1 away at Manchester United in the Premier League this afternoon.
Manchester United head into today’s game having beaten Ukrainian side Zorya Luhansk 2-0 in the Europa League on Thursday, but Jose Mourinho will be desperate for a Premier League win this time.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino
The Red Devils have won just one of their last eight Premier League games, and have recently blown a number of leads by conceding late equalisers, including last week’s 1-1 draw at Everton.
With the top four beginning to pull away, United need wins quickly, but really can’t afford to lose to fifth-placed Tottenham in this afternoon’s clash at Old Trafford.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side beat CSKA Moscow 3-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, and with a 5-0 win over Swansea City in the Premier League last weekend, many feel that Spurs are finally getting back to their best.
Mark Lawrenson
Whilst Tottenham have lost just once in the Premier League this season, they’ve also drawn six of their 14 games – the joint-highest total in the division along with Middlesbrough.
Today, Pochettino will be looking to claim a win at Old Trafford and leapfrog Manchester City into the top four of the Premier League table.
Ahead of the game, pundit Mark Lawrenson has offered his score prediction to BBC Sport, suggesting that the two sides will play out a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford – though he did note that Spurs’ attacking players are getting back to their best, and look like a better bet for the top four right now than United.
“The last time Tottenham came here in the league was the first game of last season, when they were unlucky to lose out to a Kyle Walker own goal,” said Lawrenson. “I don’t see them losing on Sunday, though, and this is a really tough game for Manchester United, who have got a long trip and a frozen pitch to contend with in the Europa League on Thursday.”
“Some of Spurs’ attacking players have started to rediscover their form. That, along with their defensive solidity, should ensure they don’t leave empty-handed. I’m going for another 1-1 draw, which seems to be the most popular scoreline at Old Trafford at the moment.”
“Tottenham are fifth going into the weekend, one place above United and to me they look more like breaking into the top four. They have more pace in their team and, at the moment, better players in key positions,” he added.
What’s your prediction for Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur?
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