Tottenham's hopes of finishing in the top four this season are in the balance as they host Manchester United on Thursday night. Spurs currently sit six points behind their opponents with two more games played, showing how important the clash should be to their fading Champions League dream.
There will be a new, though not unfamiliar, face in the dugout for the clash as Ryan Mason takes interim charge of the Lilywhites for the second time in his career. Antonio Conte was recently dismissed and replaced with assistant Cristian Stellini, but the 6-1 drubbing away to Newcastle prompted yet further change.
Mason has called on his players to bounce back on their recent form and earn all three points, saying in his pre-match press conference: "A reaction. Absolutely a reaction. Obviously Sunday was disappointing for us and I would hope and expect there's a reaction from not only the players but everyone in the building and everyone involved in the club as well."
READ MORE: Tottenham striker suffers season-ending injury and the hunt for Fabio Paratici's replacement
Ahead of the huge clash, pundits have given their view on how they think the game will play out, with the results not looking good for Spurs.
Paul Merson - Sportskeeda
Former Arsenal player Paul Merson has predicted a win for travellers Manchester United, though he has claimed it could be a tight affair. He said in his Sportskeeda column: "Both teams play the same way - they sit back and attack on the counter, and I don't think much will happen. Manchester United can kill a game as well - they were second-best at times against Brighton but they were comfortable. Credit where credit's due - they're now in a final.
"I'm worried that Tottenham don't have a manager, and I don't see how they can come back from their defeat against Newcastle. Man United will have too much for them on the counter and should be able to win this game."
Prediction: Tottenham 0-2 Manchester United
Chris Sutton - BBC Sport
Ex-Premier League striker Chris Sutton agrees with Merson in his assessment that United will run out winners from the game in north London. He has gone for a slightly higher scoring game though and while claiming Spurs can't be as bad as their clash against Newcastle, he simply can't back them to win.
He said in his BBC Sport column: "Will Spurs bounce back, after one of the most gutless displays I have ever seen? I am not convinced.
"United were fortunate to get through their FA Cup semi-final with Brighton. I enjoyed the game and how it panned out, and Erik ten Hag's side were quite effective on the break. I don't see them scoring as many as Newcastle did, but I definitely don't think Tottenham will keep a clean sheet.
"I am sure Spurs won't be as bad as they were on Sunday, but I just can't back them at the moment."
Prediction: Tottenham 1-3 Manchester United
READ NEXT:
Every word Ryan Mason said on Tottenham job, Lloris injury, Kane, formation, fans and Man Utd
Daniel Levy has new name in frame for Tottenham manager job amid Julian Nagelsmann decision
Tottenham players reimburse supporters who travelled to watch Newcastle debacle
Tottenham takeover news: $3.75bn claims, Daniel Levy breaks silence and QSI meeting
