With the Premier League finally awakening from its enforced slumber, the feelgood factor within English football has returned and with Tottenham playing host to Manchester United on Friday night, what better way to get things going again, writes Andy from Spursforlife.com.
Tottenham have been treated well by the three-month break and with their forward line given the opportunity to recuperate, the likes of Harry Kane and Hueng-min Son will be fit and raring to go this weekend.
A fully fit pairing of Kane and Son will undoubtedly provide the biggest headache for United and should Tottenham pick up maximum points, it will catapult them back into the race for a top four finish.
Of course, United are also part of that race and they themselves will be looking to put down a marker in North London this weekend. Not only that, but a win over Jose Mourinho and his men, will all but end Spurs’ hopes of a Champions League return next season.
This game could go either way and even the bookmakers don’t really have any clear indication, as to who will come out on top. With that in mind, here are three players that could play a huge part in any success for the Red Devils.
Bruno Fernandes
Is there a sense that this is the one that got away? Tottenham may have signed a Fernandes of their own in January but ask any of their fans and they would have much rather have seen Bruno rather than Gedson arrive at the start of the year.
The 25-year-old may have only made five Premier League appearances for United, but his output has already been impressive and in that time, the former Sporting Lisbon man has chipped in with two goals and three assists.
This mean he is averaging a goal contribution a game (goals and assists) and already the Portuguese star is becoming a fan favourite at Old Trafford – which may prove to be bad news for the next person on the list.
Paul Pogba
There is perhaps a danger that Paul Pogba has become the forgotten man at Manchester United and whether he is still in the club’s colours at the start of next season, is something that remains to be seen.
Then again, there is also a sense that you should write off Pogba at your peril and if United boss Ole Gunnar Solksjaer can find a system that gets the best out of both the French international and his relatively new Portuguese teammate, it could be double trouble for Tottenham.
Pogba has been out injured since the turn of the year and you could argue that United haven’t really missed a step without him. Then again, a return this weekend would be welcome, and he could play a pivotal part in any away win.
Marcus Rashford
While the biggest threat for Tottenham has arguably been saved for last and with the raw pace of Marcus Rashford always proving to be a handful, the England star will look to move quick out of the blocks against Tottenham.
With Rashford being able to be deployed at the top of the attack or on the wing, it means he can often interchange with teammate Anthony Martial and by offering a threat out wide, this could be where the game is eventually won.
Especially when you consider that fullback has been a rather weak area for Tottenham and with Serge Aurier and Ben Davies set to start on Friday night, Rashford will be primed and ready to get the better of them. Should he do so, it will give he and his teammates a huge advantage.
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