Tottenham-United Preview

Manchester United travel south to face Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane in tomorrow's late fixture.

The game is a must win for both teams, as Spurs need to continue to expand the point total between them and the relegation zone.

The three points will be essential for United as they will miss a fixture for the FIFA Club World Cup and end up having two games in hand and a possible nine point gap should they lose to Tottenham this weekend.

Sir Alex has a real squad issue on his hands for the game as well. Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Dimitar Berbatov all have knocks. Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra will be serving suspensions.

The attacking options may be limited especially if Carrick and Ronaldo can't go. Berbatov will be a game time decision.

Harry Redknapp has proven to be the cure for Tottenham and he has them rolling. He will have his squad ready to take the field in hopes of gaining all three points for the first time in seven years in this fixture.

Many United fans will recall last year's heroic winner from Carlos Tevez in the corresponding fixture that allowed United to claim a vital point in the title race. The season prior, United coolly disposed of Spurs in North London by the score of 4-0.

While Tottenham has done well to get out of the basement, they can afford to lose this one. United cannot. Anything but a win at White Hart Lane tomorrow will put United's chances of winning a third consecutive Premier League title in serious jeopardy, as they will miss the next week's fixture to play in the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan.

If Berbatov starts, expect to hear boos every time he touches the ball. I doubt that he will go, which begs the question if Ferguson will stay with his loveable 4-4-2 or if he will go with a 4-4-1-1 with Nani or Ronaldo (if he is fit) playing behind Tevez.

Edwin Van Der Sar would do well to prove that the new contract extension he signed on Friday is worthwhile by keeping a clean sheet. I think he and the United defense will do well at White Hart Lane even though younglings Johnny Evans and Rafael may get the start.

Prediction: Manchester United 1 Tottenham Hotspur 0