Premier League 2018-19: 3 Key battles that will decide the outcome of the game between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur would square off in one of the most anticipated games of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's career. The caretaker boss has won all five games as manager, but the opposition was mostly small teams. Spurs at Wembley would be the first real test for the Norwegian, who knows well that a win would give a significant boost to their top four chances at the end of the season.
If the game were scheduled a month back, then Pochettino's side would have been firm favorites considering United's dismal form under Jose Mourinho. However, there is an aura of positivity around the Manchester club right now which makes this fixture a pretty even contest.
A win for Spurs would take them further close to the league leaders Liverpool, whereas defeat would more or less end their pursuit of the Premier League title. Both sides have got a bundle of quality in their ranks who can win games singlehandedly. More often than not, in his high voltage fixtures, it's the individual battles which decide the outcome of the game.
Hence, without further delay, let's look at crucial clashes to watch out for in his mouthwatering fixture.
#3 Harry Kane vs Victor Lindelof
Harry Kane is a goal poacher who is deadly in the opposition's six-yard box. He can score from even half chances and sometimes pulls a long ranger out of the hat as well. Not many defenders enjoy playing against the English International as his tall stature helps him to hold up the play whenever necessary and bring the likes of Son and Alli into the game. Kane is active in the air as well as seen on numerous occasions in the past.
United has been struggling to form a stable defensive partnership since the start of 2018-19 campaign. The likes of Jones, Smalling, Bailly, and Rojo all failed to earn Jose Mourinho's trust and battling hard to cement a place under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However, one man who has exceeded expectations is the Swedish center back, Victor Lindelof. He is skillful with the ball and has a decent pace for a defender.
The battle between the two would be an interesting one and whoever wins the duel could have a huge impact in this fixture.