Eriksen in contention for Spurs reunion

Manchester United have two crucial Premier League matches this week, starting with Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday evening.

Following their 0-0 draw with Newcastle Utd on Sunday, Man United must get back to winning ways as they welcome Tottenham for a night under the Old Trafford lights. The Reds trail their opponents by 7 points (with a game in hand) and victory over Antonio Conte’s men would be of huge significance.

As if one high-magnitude encounter wasn’t enough, United also have to contend with another London heavyweight when they visit Chelsea at the weekend. Erik ten Hag’s army take on Spurs at 19:15 BST, less than 72 hours before kick-off at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

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Man Utd have one win in their last three league outings, meanwhile Spurs responded with back-to-back victories and clean sheets following defeat in the North London derby earlier this month. United have won half of their four league games at Old Trafford, although Spurs’ record away from home has been subpar with two wins from five on their travels.

With 38 wins in 60 matches since 1992, United have beat Tottenham more than they have any other Premier League club. Last term the Lilywhites were one of just five teams Man Utd beat home and away, in what was the Red Devils’ worst PL season on record. Spurs’ only triumph in their last seven meetings with United came in October 2020, a 6-1 thrashing masterminded by José Mourinho.

Man Utd are sweating over a possible return for Christian Eriksen after the midfielder missed the clash with Newcastle due to illness. In terms of creativity, Eriksen has been the most substantial ingredient for Ten Hag’s United side and his absence was clearly felt by his teammates last time out.

Ten Hag told the media Tuesday that Eriksen had been in training and a decision was still to be made on whether the Dane will feature against his former club, where he played from 2013 until 2020.

Marcus Rashford is poised to be involved from the start after making a substitute appearance last weekend. Scott McTominay is available for selection after serving a one-match suspension but Anthony Martial continues his comeback from a third different injury this season. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, and Donny van de Beek are also ruled out.

For Spurs, forwards Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski are injured whilst Emerson Royal is unavailable through suspension.

Ten Hag and Conte have yet to meet and it should make for an interesting affair when the tacticians go head-to-head Wednesday evening. Looking ahead to Saturday, the Dutchman has already lost once to Graham Potter this season when Brighton emerged victorious at Old Trafford on the opening day of the campaign.

Bet365 have Man United at 2.37 to win; Tottenham 2.87 to win; and 3.50 for a draw.

Following the clash with Spurs, United will have little time to rest, reflect and recuperate before their showdown at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea also play Wednesday as they make the short trip to fellow West Londoners, Brentford.

After winning at Everton, Ten Hag made four changes to his XI as Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane, Fred, and Jadon Sancho all started against Newcastle. The Man Utd boss needs to retain freshness within his ranks and rotate accordingly during this crucial run-in ahead of the FIFA World Cup next month.

As it stands Chelsea are 3 points above United after nine games apiece. The Blues continue to go from strength to strength under Potter, who is unbeaten since taking charge, with three successive wins and back-to-back clean sheets in the league.

At the time of Potter’s switch from the south coast to the capital, Chelsea were 3 points shy of Brighton but they now sit 5 points north of their manager’s former employers. United cannot afford to lose either of these two matches of mega significance.

Chelsea are without two defenders in Reece James and Wesley Fofana who both have knee troubles. Thiago Silva is doubtful for the Brentford game but the 38-year-old should be fit for the visit of United on Saturday. N’Golo Kante has a long-term lay-off with a hamstring problem.