Manchester United were both frustrated and frustrating in Sunday's stalemate with Newcastle and they are going to need to fare a good deal better if they are to get anything from Wednesday's clash with Spurs.
United are 29/20 favourites with Betfred but this looks a particularly tough fixture for a side still very early in their evolution under Erik ten Hag. We saw five goals in this game last season but the make-up of both sides is slightly different this term and that could mean that this renewal is a bit more cagey.
United's xGF of just 1.3 against Newcastle on Sunday is their lowest at Old Trafford in the Premier League this season and confirms what we saw with our own eyes that the Reds are badly missing some key cogs in their offensive wheel - primarily someone that can open up a defence with the right pass and an out-and-out goalscorer that doesn't waste the rare chances that do get created. And no, Ronaldo isn't the answer.
United's inability to break down a well-organised opposition doesn't bode well for the visit of Spurs whose only domestic defeat this season came in the North London derby.
Spurs have been playing with three centre-backs for the most part this season but their full backs have not been particularly adventurous in terms of bombing forward and the defence is protected by the industrious pairing of Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur. All of which means that this is a side set up to be tough to break down, a scenario that often asks too much of this United side.
Spurs have won their last two league games to nil and on both occasions they restricted their opponents to an xG of 0.6 or less. However, Antonio Conte's side haven't been quite as strong on the road as they have been at their North London home. Their only two away wins came at Nottingham Forest and Brighton and they weren't particularly convincing at the Amex.
Spurs have tended to rely on their effectiveness on the break but the loss of Richarlson, who may well now miss the World Cup, means that they won't be able to spring with as much pace and power as they have been doing. Kane and Son remain a major threat but if United can keep that pair quiet, then they should be able to create a base from which they can earn at least a point.
Manchester United vs Tottenham prediction
Famous last words, but this has the potential to be a low-scoring affair and the odd goal might just be enough. If United can find a way through and that is most likely via a moment of brilliance from one of their talented attacking players, then they should be able to close this out but the most prudent angle into this is probably goals - or lack of.
'Unders' isn't a bet that appeals to punters generally but the 0-0 scoreline is up 19% across the top European Leagues this season and all bar one of the weekend's Premier League fixtures went under 2.5 goals. It's that wager that looks the value play here so take Betfred's 6/5 about fewer than three goals on the night.
Manchester United vs Tottenham prediction: Under 2.5 Goals - 6/5
Manchester United vs Tottenham odds with Betfred
- Manchester United - 29/20
- Draw - 13/5
- Tottenham - 19/10
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