Tottenham vs. Manchester United: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview

Almost unnoticed, Tottenham Hotspur have been putting together quite a run. Just when it seemed like manager Mauricio Pochettino was out of his depth and unable to replicate the magic he'd produced at Southampton, Spurs won four in a row in all competitions.

Now they face an equally buoyant Manchester United team enjoying an even more impressive winning run. Louis van Gaal's squad has rattled off seven wins and a draw from the last eight league fixtures.

Something has to give in this key clash underpinned with top-four implications.

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Before a more in-depth preview, here are the relevant viewing and schedule details:

Date: Sunday, December 28, 2014

Time: 12 p.m. GMT/7 a.m. ET

TV: BT Sport 1/NBCSN

Live Stream: BT Sport App / NBC Live Sports Extra

Preview

Tottenham fans shouldn't expect home advantage to count for much, given United's excellent historical record at White Hart Lane. Pochettino will likely be more concerned about finding a way to halt United's ruthlessly efficient attack.

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Ultra-expensive loanee Radamel Falcao is becoming a key cog in United's burgeoning forward line. The Colombian still hasn't found the goals of his previously prolific seasons, but he is establishing a niche as a valuable creative outlet.

Falcao the goal-maker made another contribution during United's 3-1 win over Newcastle United on Boxing Day. Manchester Evening News reporter Rob Dawson detailed the moment:

The assist made Falcao one of United's most reliable providers, as Squawka Football noted:

But it was Rooney benefiting from Falcao's supply that proved significant. It marked a hugely positive display from the striker Van Gaal is reinventing as a midfielder.

That's something long-time boss Sir Alex Ferguson previously attempted with Rooney but which only produced mixed success. Based on his performance against Newcastle, Rooney's transition under Van Gaal is likely to yield more positive results.

Rooney destroyed the Magpies with a display of complete attacking dominance. Who Scored detailed the highlights:

Rooney responded brilliantly to Van Gaal making a simple, sensible and obvious tactical tweak, one the Dutchman explained, per BBC Sport: "In our last match against Aston Villa Rooney was a little bit too defensive so I asked for him to be more attacking."

Of course, Spurs have their own gifted and dynamic midfielder who Pochettino will hope can dictate play instead of Rooney.

Danish international Christian Eriksen is enjoying a strong campaign and has become essential to everything Tottenham produce in forward areas.

Eriksen was on target during Spurs' 2-1 away win over Leicester City on Boxing Day. The goal continued his recent prolific form:

The next step for Eriksen is to produce his best in a big game against quality opposition, something he's rarely managed in the past. Pochettino will also want the mercurial Dane to continue his prodigious partnership with fellow attacker Harry Kane.

The 21-year-old forward has been a revelation this season and, like Eriksen, etched his name on the scoresheet against Leicester. Scoring is becoming a habit for Kane.

His latest goal meant he's keeping pace with some of the league's most high-priced and illustrious attackers, as Opta Joe revealed:

Like Eriksen, Kane must now prove he won't be wowed by occasion or opponent. If Tottenham's terrific double act is on song, United's revolving door defence will be in serious trouble.

Van Gaal has switched combinations, due to injuries and poor form, at an alarming rate this season. Dawson detailed exactly how many times changes have been rung at the back:

It's that lack of continuity that hurt United so much earlier this season. Yet if Van Gaal ever manages to find the right formula, along with keeping it for more than a few games, his United squad really will be dangerous.

For now, though, expect the changes to continue. The alterations won't just be limited to the back four either.

Van Gaal still has plenty of problems to contend with, including a trio of absentees in midfield:

But even with so many faces missing from the lineup, United still boast enviable firepower. It's that quality that has to make them favourites even against a Spurs team that's steadily turning winning ugly into a habit.

Spurs 1-2 United

Spurs will be beaten by their favourite recent scoreline. United will inflict the damage after falling behind early.

Another win will be proof of the Red Devils' growing title credentials. Meanwhile, Spurs will be left to rue another failure against a top-four regular.