‘Huge game for both teams’ – Pundit expects open affair between Manchester United vs Tottenham

Manchester United take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this evening and Paul Merson has offered his thoughts on the game ahead of kick-off.

While Tottenham begin to find some form after a rocky start to the season, United are looking to get back to winning ways after consecutive draws.

Both teams are under pressure to get a result if they’re planning to compete for the top four this season. Otherwise, a gap develops in the table, especially with Chelsea looking stronger under Enzo Maresca this season.

Retired footballer turned pundit Paul Merson has weighed in on the upcoming fixture between United and Spurs. He’s predicting an exciting, high-scoring encounter between the two sides.

Merson believes both teams will adopt an open style of play, which could result in plenty of goals.

Writing in his column for Sportskeeda, Merson said: “This is a huge game for both teams. Tottenham play a dangerously high line and Manchester United are not great at the back, so it’s a very open football match. I expect there will be loads of goals in this one too.

“Spurs have been alright this season. Against Arsenal, the quality of set-pieces were the only difference between them. But they should’ve beaten both Newcastle and Leicester, if they don’t win these types of games, it starts to look a bit Spursy!

“As things stand, there are not a lot of problems with them. But if they lose this game, they are the team with the fourth-best chance of finishing fourth.”

Merson predicts a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford this evening.

Erik ten Hag has finally set on his preferred back four in the absence of Luke Shaw, so I would argue that we’re a lot stronger defensively this season and it’s completely down to personnel. The biggest difference is United were without key defenders throughout the season last term due to injuries.

The Reds are currently 11th in the Premier League standings.

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