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Both teams go into this game on the back of positive league results and with Man Utd on 12 points and having played below their best, it's the type of game in which all spurs fans will be expecting a defeat, and that's before you mention the atrocious record against Man Utd in the league.
Taking away the negative thoughts, the team is showing signs of adapting to AVB's style and tactics, & Dembele has already put in a great performance away to Man Utd this season for Fulham, which brings me to Man Utds weak link, their central midfield.
This is the area that we have to exploit and win the midfield battle, if we're to win the midfield battle, then with Defoe in such fine form and Bale always a danger, not to mention Lennon who has started the season in fine form, can we dare to dream of finally defeating Man Utd at Old Trafford?
Or will their 12th man, RVP, or Rooney do what many have done over the years, send us home feeling robbed or simply outclassed.
Over the years Lennon has terrorised Evra, so with Evra now facing competition for his position, chances are Lennon will face a new face, and this is an area we need Lennon to be at his best, as so far Lennon has looked bright, in form, providing some great link up play and cut backs, yet the goals are missing from his game, as is the lack of crossing ability.
Whatever the result, its important the team doesn't hide, especially in midfield and I hope AVB can show us his tactics to deal with Man Utds movement upfront. Man Utd have conceded 6 goals this season, been outplayed in their three away games, lucky to win by the single goal against Fulham, and struggled for 45 minutes against Wigan.
The Wigan game was interesting as they pressed Utd and came out on top for 45 minutes, yet simply couldn't keep it up, nor did they have the overall quality. and as AVB prefers a high pressing game, this could work to our advantage.
The only worry is that if you look at our league performances, we have struggled to break teams down when pressed high, yet score when hitting teams on the counter, so as long as the players don't tire, we should get joy on the counter, especially with the Man Utd defence leaking goals this season.
Aside from Defoe, I think we would all say Vertonghen has been our most consistent and impressive performer and there is no doubt we need Vertonghen at his best, and to put in a leadership performance at the back.
If Defoe, Dempsey, Lennon & Bale can link up with quick short passes, then I can see us causing Man Utd no end of problems, but we simply have to compete in midfield, as while we're dangerous on the counter, if man utd have tons of possession then they will punish us.
How does everyone see this game going? and what tactics do you see AVB employing? especially after our shocking first half against QPR last week. And who do you feel our key man is?
