"There’s a lot at stake" - Dimitar Berbatov predicts the scoreline for Manchester United's clash with Tottenham
Dimitar Berbatov has backed Manchester United to get back to winning ways in the league by beating Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday (January 14).
It's been a nightmare season thus far Erik ten Hag and his Red Devils. They sit eighth in the league, nine points off the top four. His men have already crashed out of the UEFA Champions League in the group stages and were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the last 16.
Manchester United started this year off with a disappointing 2-1 defeat away at Nottingham Forest. This placed a ton of pressure on Ten Hag but his side reacted with a comfortable 2-0 victory against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fourth round.
Ten Hag's Reds face a Tottenham side who are also chasing Champions League football. Ange Postecoglou's Spurs are fifth in the league, a point behind fourth-placed Arsenal.
Thus, the stakes are high heading into Sunday's game at Old Trafford between the two top-four hopefuls. Berbatov played for both clubs during his illustrious career and has given his prediction on how the game will pan out.
Berbatov reckons United will just edge Tottenham in a tight encounter (via Metro):
"I can see this being a tight game and I’m going to say it will be 1-0 to United. It sounds boring, but I hope that’s not the case. I think there’s a lot at stake for both teams. That can sometimes play with your mind and make you not produce your best game possible."
Tottenham beat Manchester United 2-0 in the reverse fixture in August. Pape Matar Sarr and Lisandro Martinez's own goal ensured victory for the Lilywhites.
However, Spurs have failed to beat the Red Devils at Old Trafford since 2020. That ended in a shock 6-1 win, with the hosts playing with 10 men due to Anthony Martial's red card.
Robbie Savage tips Tottenham to beat Manchester United
Sunday's game between Manchester United and Tottenham is proving hard to call.
Ten Hag's men may have stumbled this season but will always expect to win at home. But, Old Trafford hasn't been much of a fortress this season, with United suffering eight home defeats in all competitions thus far.
Robbie Savage thinks that will become nine once Spurs visit this weekend. He told Planet Sport:
"The first goal is so important. I think Spurs will get that. They will be brave, they will be positive. Front footed football. I think they’ll go to Old Trafford thinking that they can do a double over Manchester United for the first time since 1989/90. They’ll do that with a 2-1 win."
Postecoglou's troops are in an impressive run of form in the league as of late. They've won four of their last five games, including a 4-1 win against Newcastle United.