Tottenham may have lost their chance at winning the Premier League last weekend when they lost 5-2 to Arsenal, but the London club has little time to dwell on that defeat, as they host Manchester United on Sunday.
Spurs blew a 2-0 lead at the Emirates on Sunday and cost themselves a chance to remain in the title race. If they want any chance at hosting the league trophy at all this season, then they must defeat United at White Hart Lane this week.
United is chasing yet another league title and saved themselves from dropping points last weekend when Ryan Giggs scored a late winner to defeat Norwich. The Red Devils are currently two points behind crosstown rivals Manchester City for the league lead.
Let's look at everything you need to know about this awesome English matchup of massive importance to both clubs.
Where: White Hart Lane, London, England
Watch: Fox Soccer, Sky Sports HD1
Live Stream: Sky Sports
When: Sunday, March 4 at 11:10 ET
Most Important Player to Watch: Gareth Bale, Tottenham
UPDATE: Sunday, March 4 at 11:02 a.m. ET
According to Soccernet, Gareth Bale will not play for Tottenham against Manchester United.
Gareth Bale misses out for Tottenham today. Big blow.
— Dale Johnson (@dalejohnsonESPN) March 4, 2012
Tottenham winger Gareth Bale must play better against Manchester United than he did against Arsenal because the Welshman is a fantastic talent that ignite the Spurs attack when he's playing with energy and passion.
Bale needs to use his pace to wreak havoc on the wings and fire some quality crosses into the box so Spurs forwards such as Emmanuel Adebayor can send them to the back of the net.
If Bale struggles on Sunday, Spurs will have a difficult time defeating United.
Key Matchup: Battle on the wings
Whoever dominates the wings in this match will have the best chance for victory. United need Ashley Young to create scoring chances from the wing, and Tottenham need Bale to do the same for them.
Defending the flanks will also be massively important, and it's something Spurs failed at versus Arsenal. They allowed Theo Walcott to have too many quality scoring chances in the second half last weekend, and if they are that poor defensively against United, Spurs will lose.
What They're Saying
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson thought his side was lucky to escape Norwich with all three points this past weekend, saying via Soccernet:
"I have to say we were lucky today, in the sense Norwich had more promise about them. I thought we were lethargic, too casual on the ball. Then when we lost the goal, we played brilliantly," Ferguson said on MUTV. "That tells you something about the temperament - they do not get nervous and started to up their game, so that augers well for us."
Prediction: Manchester United win 3-2
Manchester United is so good at finding ways to win in the Premier League, and against top clubs this season, they have played quite well.
In league play this season, the only top-five club to have defeated United thus far is Manchester City. United is unbeaten against Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham.
Without Scott Parker, who will not face United because of a red card suspension, the Spurs midfield will not be able to create enough quality scoring chances to defeat the Red Devils.
Manchester United will win this match in a close battle that will be won late in the second half.
Read more Manchester United news on BleacherReport.com
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