01/03/2012 15:16 - ManUtd.com, Adam Marshall
Tottenham v United preview
United face one of the season's toughest tests in North London...
Form guide
United left it late last weekend but the 2-1 win at Norwich closed the gap on leaders Manchester City back to two points. The champions are unbeaten in the Barclays Premier League since the first game of the year at Newcastle and took four points from the tough capital assignments at Chelsea and Arsenal. Spurs were unlucky to lose in the last minute at Manchester City in January but went on a five-game unbeaten run during which they only conceded one goal. However, the roof caved in at the Emirates Stadium last time out as an impressive*two-goal lead turned into a shock 5-2 thumping.
Ins and outs
Scott Parker's suspension is a blow to Spurs after England's latest captain was sent off in the North London derby. Full-back Kyle Walker went off injured in that game and missed the international with Holland while the likes of Rafael van der Vaart and Gareth Bale also failed to appear for their countries. United also have fresh injury problems with Chris Smalling picking up a sickening gash to his head against Holland while Tom Cleverley and Wayne Rooney withdrew from Stuart Pearce's squad. Antonio Valencia has a chance of returning.
Last meeting
Sir Alex's side welcomed Spurs to Old Trafford in the season opener on a Monday night in August and the Reds took full advantage against an under-strength side lacking the likes of Luka Modric and Ledley King. Danny Welbeck broke the deadlock by heading in a Tom Cleverley cross and the striker helped tee up the second for Anderson. Rooney wrapped things up from a Ryan Giggs centre to make it 3-0 and a fine start to the defence of the title.
Opposition boss
Harry Redknapp is red-hot favourite for the England job after his sterling work at White Hart Lane. The man whose Bournemouth team dumped holders United out of the FA Cup way back in 1984, has tremendous experience and has managed to build a fine squad in North London. Clearly one of the best English bosses, he has previously worked for the likes of West Ham, Portsmouth and Southampton and is a sharp tactician and marvellous motivator. Respected by his peers, he'll be striving to maintain Spurs' form in one of their best seasons for many a year.
Star man
Spurs have a whole host of big names and it's not easy to single out their biggest threat. Luka Modric can make the team tick with his midfield artistry and Emmanuel Adebayor will pose problems in attack while Rafael van der Vaart has undisputed quality. However, Gareth Bale is always an eye-catching performer and will need keeping in check. The winger has also been deployed in a more central role of late and his blinding pace is a major asset. Maturing into a top-class talent, he has built on his stunning Champions League performance at Inter Milan*in 2010*that caught the imagination of a wider audience.
Quote/unquote
"It's going to be a massive game. If we can survive that one, then we'll have a big, big chance of winning the league." Sir Alex Ferguson.
Sub-plots*
Is the Redknapp for England clamour distracting Spurs after a disappointing draw with Stevenage and derby-day disaster at the*Emirates? Will Parker's absence affect the midfield?
There will be much focus on the absentees for both*teams depending on the injury bulletins but Louis Saha is back in the French*fold and will be keen to upset his old club.
Whistle blower
Martin Atkinson takes charge of a Reds fixture for the first time this season after falling ill earlier in the campaign when due to officiate the FA Cup trip to Liverpool. He oversaw the frustrating 2-1 defeat at Chelsea last year*and United will be aware that the previous trip to White Hart Lane saw the Reds finish with 10 men as Rafael was sent off.
Rivals watch
Leaders Manchester City are at home to Bolton Wanderers on Saturday at 3pm GMT*and can stretch their lead again to five points. The lunchtime kick-off is an interesting one at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal entertain Carling Cup winners Liverpool.
