Really looking forward to this one, will be suprised if you do the double over us so im expecting atleast a point Aslong as Rio isn't marking bale we should be alright!
Dempsey's form is actually vastly improved. He started off very poorly, but he seems to have picked up quite a lot recently. Perhaps he'll nick another winner?
We are without some key players from last year, but we've added Vertonghen, Dembele, Dempsey, Sigurdson and Caulker. It's just a different team, much more aggressive, I'd say, which had everything to do with the previous result. Man U won't get caught on the back foot twice, though, so it should be a wild start. An especially good thing about this game is that if either team goes up a couple of goals early, it may still be a great finish, if the past is any guide.
Bales had one good 45 mins against Rafael I think, I thought they stopped doubling up ages ago, no need!
Probably not better,with the player's we lost,but not as bad as people thought.all we really need is a creative M/F and a top class striker imo
Was just gonna say the same thing Notso. Rafael is likely to have bale in his pocket, again! Better off using bale down the centre. Look what happened last time!
Shame we're going in without our first choice midfield. Parker is a good replacement but not quite up to Sandro's standards this season. The "pundits" always point to someone like Bale as the most important player in a team, or the goalscorer or someone with flair... yet to me you need a great centre back and DM and we're missing Kaboom and the Beast when clearly to stand a chance against ManU you need to be able to play your first and best XI.
Parker was outstanding last year. Sandro has definitely overtaken him this year, but we are not losing too much. And he should be fresh for the rest of the season.
BALE ON UNITED: Gareth Bale has underlined the importance of our thrilling 3-2 win at Manchester United in September as we prepare to meet the Premier League leaders again on Sunday. The flying winger scored a fantastic goal as we secured our first victory at Old Trafford since 1989. Jan Vertonghen opened the scoring and Gareth made it 2-0 as we took the game by the scruff of the neck. As expected, United hit back for 2-1, Clint Dempsey scored what turned out to be the winner for 3-1 before United made it 3-2 – those final three goals in the space of four breathtaking minutes at the start of the second half. “That win stood us in good stead,” said Gareth. “It gave us confidence and belief to do what we’ve done so far this season.” United arrive at the Lane on Sunday sitting top of the Premier League by seven points from Manchester City. It a clash of top in-form teams – United have won nine of their last 10, while we’re fourth after putting together seven wins and two draws in our last 10 in the Premier League. “We haven’t lost in a while and confidence is high,” added Gareth. “Okay, it was a scrappy game and a disappointing result at QPR, but we’re all looking forward to United. It’s a big test and will show where we are as a team. “We’ll continue to do what we’ve been doing and hopefully we’ll get the three points.”
Not sure where this idea about Rafael having Bale in his pocket in this fixture comes from. He didn't play last season at WHL, was sent off the season before that and neither was in the squad for the one before that.
24.04.2010 United v Spurs Rafael played, no mention of Bale doing a thing in any match report 30.10.2010 United v Spurs Rafael played...same outcome! 11.01.2011 Spurs v United Rafael was sent off after 75 mins having kept Bale quiet... "43 min: Rafael knows he can't touch him as he's already been booked, and finally we get a proper final pass as Bale dinks a glorious cross into the near post, where Van der Vaart gets ahead of Vidic to head into the side-netting. A brief cheer goes up from the Tottenham fans as the net bristles, but it dies as quickly as it started. That was better though." Jones did play in the last one, whoopy do, you've pulled me up in one fixture out the last eight or so, even though he got no joy there either! Not sure why you're challenging it, Luke will be in later to confirm it.
Rafael has done well v Bale in the past, but I wouldn't use that as any indicator for Sunday. Firstly, Bale is a more versatile and adaptable player these days. If he doesn't get any joy out wide, he'll come inside and test the centre backs. Secondly, Rafael is prone to defensive lapses whoever he plays against. He doesn't spot danger quickly enough in the penalty are at times- how many times has de Gea parried a shot only for Rafael to be asleep, giving an opposition forward an unchallenged shot at goal? Rafael's best way of taming Bale is to push forward himself (as he and Evra will do) forcing Bale to track back. Conversely, I expect Valencia to do a lot of tracking back when Spurs have the ball. No player does more work up and down his flank than Valencia. If Bale does venture off his wing, it will leave a lot of space for those two to exploit. Who plays at LB for Spurs could be crucial.
The RB who had the greatest impact last season in this fixture was Walker, who was at fault for all three Utd goals. I expect this game to be decided by defensive frailities this year. If Rooney plays behind RvP with Welbeck on the left side, are you confident about having Walker, Dawson and possibly Naughton in your back four?
Some players just get the better of each other, not much Bale can do if Rafael has his number, Evra struggles against Lennon, so interesting to see how each side of the pitch will differ, and we should look to focus on Lennon and hope Bale can work out why he struggles.
