Tottenham vs. Manchester United: How Reds Should Line Up in EPL Clash
Louis van Gaal might feel he has some decisions to make as Manchester United face their second game in three days.
The trip to Tottenham comes just 48 hours after their 3-1 win over Newcastle, and the Dutchman will have to decide whether his players can handle the physical strain.
In terms of form, he's got no reason to drop anyone with United on a run of seven wins from their last eight games.
He's also got injuries to contend with as Angel Di Maria, Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Marouane Fellaini, Ander Herrera, Adnan Januzaj and Daley Blind continue their recoveries from injury.
David De Gea
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United's undisputed No.1 is in the form of his life. David De Gea made another wonderful save against Newcastle from Daryl Janmaat, and Papiss Cisse's penalty had to be right in the top corner to beat him. He'll almost certainly start against Tottenham.
Phil Jones
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Phil Jones has looked rusty on his return to the team since recovering from shin splints. He had some particularly nervous moments against Liverpool and Aston Villa. But Van Gaal is likely to persist with his three-man defence against Tottenham, and Jones should keep his place. He needs games to rediscover his match sharpness.
Jonny Evans
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Like Jones, Jonny Evans has had some uncomfortable moments since making his comeback from an ankle problem. Van Gaal's 3-5-2 formation can be a complicated system to understand, especially when the personnel seem to be constantly changing. However, he is improving and another game against Tottenham should do him good.
Chris Smalling
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Chris Smalling has perhaps been United's best defender since his ill-advised red card against Manchester City. He missed two games with a groin injury but was back on the bench against Newcastle. He should be fit enough to return to the team at Tottenham with Paddy McNair making way.
Antonio Valencia
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Antonio Valencia looks like he's starting to enjoy his new role as a wing-back. He seems to have found the right balance between bombing forward and defending sensibly, and he's got the energy to keeping flying up and down the right for 90 minutes. Rafael is back from injury, but Valencia hasn't done anything to warrant losing his place.
Ashley Young
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Even in an unfamiliar role at left wing-back, Ashley Young impressed against Aston Villa and Newcastle. He's still learning the defensive responsibilities of the position. But, cutting inside on his right foot and swinging in crosses, he's been one of United's most important attacking weapons over the last few weeks. Luke Shaw still isn't fit enough to start, and Young should keep his place against Tottenham.
Michael Carrick
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With United 3-0 up against Newcastle on Boxing Day, Michael Carrick was taken off with the game at Tottenham in mind. It's testament to how important he is to Van Gaal's team that the substitution disrupted United's rhythm. Having only played an hour against Newcastle, the 33-year-old should be available at White Hart Lane despite the quick turnaround.
Juan Mata
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Juan Mata had one of his best games for United against Newcastle. He set up Wayne Rooney's first goal with a clever ball over the top to Radamel Falcao, and created Rooney's second with a perfectly-weighted pass. He might face competition for his place when Angel Di Maria returns to full fitness but, for now, the Spaniard deserves his spot.
Wayne Rooney
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Wayne Rooney is beginning to thrive in his new, deeper, role. Twice against Newcastle, he ran from deep to get himself a goal. He can sometimes give the ball away too much, and was guilty of it once or twice on Boxing Day. But a midfielder who is full of running and has the ability to score goals is a valuable asset.
Robin Van Persie
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Robin van Persie has rediscovered his scoring touch, finding the net five times in his last six games, including the third against Newcastle on Boxing Day. He's started to look more confident in front of goal, and the likes of Rooney and Mata are beginning to find him more easily. As long as Van Gaal thinks the 31-year-old can handle two games in three days, he should start at Tottenham.
Radamel Falcao
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A goal was the only thing missing from Radamel Falcao's performance against Newcastle. He set up the first for Rooney with a deft touch in the box and started the move for the second with a well-timed challenge in midfield. He was taken off in the second-half to keep him fresh for the game at White Hart Lane and should get the nod to start again.
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