Tottenham, still hoping to edge third place in the Premier League ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea, host title chasing Man United at White Hart Lane. talkSPORT looks at the game's key battles...
Spurs' CENTRE BACKS V ROONEY AND YOUNG
A fit again Wayne Rooney coupled with the attacking threat of Ashley Young will present any defence with problems, even those featuring the power and strength of Younes Kaboul, Ryan Nelsen and the composed displays of Ledley King and Michael Dawson. Young played and scored for England during the 3-2 defeat to the Netherlands, while in Rooney's last Premier League outing, he scored both goals in United's 2-1 win against Liverpool. Those aforementioned assured performances from King and Dawson will be vital in shutting out Rooney, who has 17 goals this season, if Tottenham want to put an end to their 11-year streak without a win against the 19-time champions. Beware of the late goal, mind. Just ask Norwich, Bayern, Liverpool, Man City... you see where we are coming from.
VERDICT: There will be goals, but nothing like the five that Arsenal put past Spurs
SPURS' MIDFIELD MAESTROS V UNITED'S AGEING SUPERSTARS
It's the ageing stars that the lauded Tottenham midfield will have to be wary of. Scott Parker is suspended so the job of shackling Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes may rest with Sandro. Giggs has scored more goals against Spurs than he has against any other opponent and both he and Scholes scored United's only goals in Spurs' last two wins in this fixture way back in 1999 and 2001 respectively, where both games ended in 3-1 defeats. Michael Carrick has been impressive this season, as has Nani, but they will all have their hands full with Spurs' Croatian ace Luka Modric and manager Harry Redknapp may throw in Aaron Lennon - an unused substitute against Arsenal - to cause problems for Patrice Evra down the right following his return from a hamstring injury.
VERDICT: Age and experience to edge youth and skill
BALE, ADEBAYOR AND SAHA V UNITED'S DEFENCE
Despite Rafael Van Der Vaart's absence, Tottenham have plenty of options in attack with Gareth Bale, whose injury concerns were rubbished by his manager Harry Redknapp, supporting goal scorers Emmanuel Adebayor and Louis Saha, who is set to play against his former club. Chris Smalling is unlikely to be risked following his clash of heads with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar on international duty, but Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans will need to be on high alert as will United's full-backs and we should not forget Jermain Defoe, whose England ambitions mean he will be desperate to get on and score.
VERDICT: United have the strength but Spurs have the pace and skill to counter
PREDICTION: If Tottenham are going to finally beat Man United, this season in front of their own fans is as good a chance as any. The trouble is, Man United are closing in on the title once more and there is no worse time to play Fergie's team than when the season is approaching its final straight and they can scent blood. Spurs have what it takes to beat any team on their day, but Redknapp's men will do well not to lose this one.
LAST FIVE
TOTTENHAM: WDWDL
MAN UNITED: DWWLW
Odds (Ladbrokes)
Tottenham: 9/5
Draw: 9/4
Man United: 6/4
Spurs' CENTRE BACKS V ROONEY AND YOUNG
A fit again Wayne Rooney coupled with the attacking threat of Ashley Young will present any defence with problems, even those featuring the power and strength of Younes Kaboul, Ryan Nelsen and the composed displays of Ledley King and Michael Dawson. Young played and scored for England during the 3-2 defeat to the Netherlands, while in Rooney's last Premier League outing, he scored both goals in United's 2-1 win against Liverpool. Those aforementioned assured performances from King and Dawson will be vital in shutting out Rooney, who has 17 goals this season, if Tottenham want to put an end to their 11-year streak without a win against the 19-time champions. Beware of the late goal, mind. Just ask Norwich, Bayern, Liverpool, Man City... you see where we are coming from.
VERDICT: There will be goals, but nothing like the five that Arsenal put past Spurs
SPURS' MIDFIELD MAESTROS V UNITED'S AGEING SUPERSTARS
It's the ageing stars that the lauded Tottenham midfield will have to be wary of. Scott Parker is suspended so the job of shackling Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes may rest with Sandro. Giggs has scored more goals against Spurs than he has against any other opponent and both he and Scholes scored United's only goals in Spurs' last two wins in this fixture way back in 1999 and 2001 respectively, where both games ended in 3-1 defeats. Michael Carrick has been impressive this season, as has Nani, but they will all have their hands full with Spurs' Croatian ace Luka Modric and manager Harry Redknapp may throw in Aaron Lennon - an unused substitute against Arsenal - to cause problems for Patrice Evra down the right following his return from a hamstring injury.
VERDICT: Age and experience to edge youth and skill
BALE, ADEBAYOR AND SAHA V UNITED'S DEFENCE
Despite Rafael Van Der Vaart's absence, Tottenham have plenty of options in attack with Gareth Bale, whose injury concerns were rubbished by his manager Harry Redknapp, supporting goal scorers Emmanuel Adebayor and Louis Saha, who is set to play against his former club. Chris Smalling is unlikely to be risked following his clash of heads with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar on international duty, but Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans will need to be on high alert as will United's full-backs and we should not forget Jermain Defoe, whose England ambitions mean he will be desperate to get on and score.
VERDICT: United have the strength but Spurs have the pace and skill to counter
PREDICTION: If Tottenham are going to finally beat Man United, this season in front of their own fans is as good a chance as any. The trouble is, Man United are closing in on the title once more and there is no worse time to play Fergie's team than when the season is approaching its final straight and they can scent blood. Spurs have what it takes to beat any team on their day, but Redknapp's men will do well not to lose this one.
LAST FIVE
TOTTENHAM: WDWDL
MAN UNITED: DWWLW
Odds (Ladbrokes)
Tottenham: 9/5
Draw: 9/4
Man United: 6/4
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