Very important game that early in the season. With another defeat or even a draw you would already fall back a lot behinds the leader which would pile up the pressure massively for the next games. A win could give you a big moral boost, though.
I expect a close game with both teams fighting for every ball with little things deciding the match. Both this had a very bad pre-season and will be far from their best. Also, I expect both teams to be tactically prepared and not giving the other team much space. Your last two home games against Spurs have also been very close with both teams putting in good performances.
I really hope Matic will be back for this one as today has shown how important he is for the stability of the team. It will be difficult to be ready so soon after his injury, but considering his great mentality I think it could be possible. Maybe Jose should also bring Herrera or Fellaini back to the team because I am not sure if Fred is ready for such a game. Also, Fellaini looked quite good today considering the circumstances.
In defense, Smalling should return to the team since I am afraid that Kane would physically destroy Lindelof. As Spurs played with three at the back in their last game, I can also imagine Jose trying to match the formation and also going with three central defenders giving the team more stability (especially if Matic is not ready for the game). The formation also worked pretty well in your home game against them last year where you played one of your best matches of the season.
In attack it would be great to have Sanchez back, but I don´t think this is very likely. I just don´t want to see Mata anywhere near the team.
I expect a close game with both teams fighting for every ball with little things deciding the match. Both this had a very bad pre-season and will be far from their best. Also, I expect both teams to be tactically prepared and not giving the other team much space. Your last two home games against Spurs have also been very close with both teams putting in good performances.
I really hope Matic will be back for this one as today has shown how important he is for the stability of the team. It will be difficult to be ready so soon after his injury, but considering his great mentality I think it could be possible. Maybe Jose should also bring Herrera or Fellaini back to the team because I am not sure if Fred is ready for such a game. Also, Fellaini looked quite good today considering the circumstances.
In defense, Smalling should return to the team since I am afraid that Kane would physically destroy Lindelof. As Spurs played with three at the back in their last game, I can also imagine Jose trying to match the formation and also going with three central defenders giving the team more stability (especially if Matic is not ready for the game). The formation also worked pretty well in your home game against them last year where you played one of your best matches of the season.
In attack it would be great to have Sanchez back, but I don´t think this is very likely. I just don´t want to see Mata anywhere near the team.
