Manchester United return to their Premier League commitments this Sunday as they head to North London to take on fellow bottom-half rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a high-stakes showdown.
A battle of the two biggest underperformers this season could determine the fate of Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou after back-to-back cup eliminations.
Ruben Amorim could nudge his Tottenham counterpart over the edge, but it would be a mere consolation for Man Utd, considering not even a win would fire them to the top half of the table.
However, it would be a sweet revenge for an embarrassing 3-0 loss at Old Trafford in September’s reverse fixture, which accelerated Erik ten Hag’s sacking.
Unwanted history
Amorim has already set several unwanted club records since replacing the Dutchman at the helm in November.
Losing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would see the 40-year-old equal another unenviable feat as Man Utd could lose three consecutive matches against Spurs in a single season for the first time since 1989/90.
It was also the last time Tottenham pulled off a league double over the Red Devils, testifying to United’s long-standing dominance in this match-up.
More importantly, it would see 14th-placed Spurs leapfrog Man Utd in the standings and effectively rule the 20-time English champions out of a late push for European qualification.
Glimmer of light
Second-half goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Harry Maguire inspired United to a come-from-behind 2-1 win against Leicester City in the FA Cup last weekend.
That was United’s fourth victory across their last five competitive outings and helped them bounce back from a disheartening 2-0 league defeat to Crystal Palace.
Amorim’s charges have also fared well on the road, winning three consecutive outings outside Old Trafford, meaning this trip could be a blessing in disguise.
The last two came without conceding, which is promising when factoring in Man Utd’s recent defensive showings against Tottenham in the capital.
Indeed, the Red Devils have capitulated multiple times on their last three visits to Spurs’ home venue, including a 4-3 defeat in this season’s League Cup quarter-finals.
Out-of-sorts opposition
After relinquishing a slender first-leg lead in a dismal League Cup elimination at the hands of Liverpool, Tottenham’s FA Cup journey ended last weekend at Aston Villa.
Postecoglou’s charges slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Birmingham, wasting another chance to end the club’s humiliating 17-year title drought.
Heading into proceedings on the back of Premier League home matches without winning, Spurs will be desperate to halt their worst home form in top-flight action since 2008.
If it’s any consolation, Tottenham beat Brentford 2-0 in their last league outing and could make it two wins in a row for only the second time this season.
Team news
Amorim gave a concerning team update in the pre-game conference, with Man Utd set to miss several first-team stars on Sunday.
Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans and Mason Mount are unavailable for selection.
After initiating United’s comeback against Leicester, Zirkzee could lead the line at the expense of the misfiring Rasmus Hojlund.
Meanwhile, Ipswich Town sensation Liam Delap, tipped to be the Red Devils’ next No 9, remains coy on his future amid Man Utd links (via Metro).
How could Man Utd line up?
Winter signing Patrick Dorgu is in contention for his maiden Premier League appearance after an inspiring FA Cup debut.
However, Diogo Dalot should get the nod on the left wing, with Noussair Mazraoui likely to start on the opposite flank.
Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Maguire should form the back trio.
Captain Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte will probably forge the double pivot in the midfield.
Finally, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo could start behind Zirkzee in the final third.
Potential line-up (3-4-2-1): Onana; De Ligt, Maguire, Yoro; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dalot; Diallo, Garnacho; Zirkzee